Outdoor Curriculum
Here are a series of resources, ideas and organisations with lesson plans to help schools, parents and youth groups to use the outdoor classroom
Somerset Wildlife Trust
Somerset Wildlife Trust have a range of resources for schools and youth settings. The school grounds pack contains lots of practical advice and ideas for managing school grounds for wildlife and outdoor learning. The Schools Coastal Champion pack outlines the five simple steps to take on your journey to becoming a Somerset Coastal Champion.
Wilder Schools
Countryside Classroom
Naturally Connected Curriculum - Outdoor art. Six lesson plans for imaginative, practical art activities in the school grounds.
Naturally Connected Curriculum
Trees for Cities - Educational resources for every school
Choose from curriculum guides, lesson plans and a range of other resources to support you to teach through food growing.
Edible Playgrounds
Wetlands Wildlife Trust
The WWT have produced an exciting range of curriculum-linked science resources for exploring the natural world from home or school during the lockdown. These will inspire your children to connect with the natural world, no matter how much green space you have access to. We also have a selection of short fun activities that can be dipped into at any time.
Curriculum-Linked science and outdoor learning resources
Learning Through Landscapes
These outdoor learning ideas have been developed and proven by teachers and early years educators. All are sorted by key stage, curricular area and age suitability.
Outdoor lesson ideas
Forestry England
Activity ideas, lesson plans linked to the curriculum and more are all free to download so you can create a fun and informative learning experience to suit your needs. In the forest or school ground
Outdoor learning ideas
Links and organisations that support teaching in the natural environment
FREE Trees for Schools and Communities programme - Somerset Council are working with the Woodland Trust to provide free trees to schools.
Here are some of the brilliant things trees can teach us:
· Getting hands-on: Tree planting is a tangible experience, nurturing living organisms that positively change the environment.
· STEM Exploration: Tree planting introduces science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts.
· Ecosystem Connection: Understand how trees contribute to healthy environments and provide habitats for wildlife.
· Compassion for Nature: Active tree planting fosters empathy and appreciation for our natural world.
· Environmental Responsibility: Learn about trees’ vital role in conservation efforts.
· Wellbeing Boost: Spending time in nature supports good health -just ask the doctors!
How It Works:
· Get expert guidance: Consult our Woodland Creation Team who can help you choose the right trees for the right place and guide you on planting techniques and creative ideas for tree circles and imaginative planting. For FREE advice email
· Apply before 26 August: Visit the Woodland Trust to get your free trees delivered in November.
Somerset Gardens Trust – school garden grants - www.somersetgardenstrust.org.uk
The Somerset Gardens Trust (SGT) is a conservation and education charity that gives grants in the region of £350 to help schools in the county create or rejuvenate school gardens. The scheme aims to enhance pupils’ learning and skills and stimulate an interest in gardening. Projects that have been funded in the past include tools, seeds and plants for vegetable, wellbeing and wildlife gardens, compost and compost bins, and materials for raised beds and other structures.
Grants can be applied for three times a year (funds permitting) and applications should demonstrate a viable project showing how pupils will be involved, the suitability of the site and how the grant will be used. More information is available on the website under the Schools tab (which also links to the application form) or by emailing
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom - www.lotc.org.uk
This website offers a large range of resources developed with the support of many experts in the field learning outside the classroom. The site is designed to support anyone working with young people aged 0–19 provide high-quality educational experiences.
RHS - inspiring everyone to grow - www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/grow-at-home
Dozens of activities and mini-projects to help kids discover the wonderful world of plants and gardens and keep them entertained.
Kew - www.kew.org/learning/endeavour
Endeavour is Kew's free online learning platform, full of teaching resources for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) - For Teachers | LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)
LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is the leading organisation promoting sustainable agriculture, food and farming. We build public understanding of food and farming in a number of ways, these include Open Farm Sunday
Woodland Trust - www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust inspire people up and down the country to visit woods, plant trees, treasure wildlife, and enjoy the overwhelming benefits that woods and trees offer to our landscape and lives.
