A few weeks ago, Vicky (our fabulous Education Officer) and I swapped the classroom for fresh air and muddy paths, leading a two‑day outdoor learning adventure with a group of student teachers – studying for the School Direct PGCE. From Wood Lane Nature Reserve to the wild beauty of Whixall Moss, our goal was simple: show that teaching outside isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
Choose the Wild Classroom
Trainee teachers choose the wild classroom! Ellie and Vicki led a two-day outdoor learning experience for trainee teachers, demonstrating how nature-based activities can effectively deliver core curriculum subjects while building confidence in teaching outside. There are wide-ranging benefits of outdoor learning for children, teachers, and nature, aiming to inspire a future generation that values and protects the natural world!
Working with teachers at the start of their journey means catching them before habits settle in and is the perfect moment to whisper: “You don’t have to stay inside”. Over the two days, we watched tentative steps turn into confidence and a steady stream of “ooh, I could use this!” moments. By the end, the outdoors wasn’t scary, it was full of possibility.
Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses NNR being restored by bunding the peat through the £5 million EU-LIFE funded Marches Mosses BogLIFE Project.
(c) Stephen Barlow
At Wood Lane, we asked the trainees to become the children instead. They drew sound maps, wrote stillness poems, went on tiny ‘micro‑journeys’ and discovered there are many creative ways to measure a tree. Alongside plenty of laughter, there was a clear takeaway: this is the curriculum. Maths, English and creativity all woven seamlessly together. Outdoor learning doesn’t replace the teaching of core subjects it brings them to life.
Outdoor learning isn’t just a fun extra, the benefits go far beyond a one-off lesson. For children: better focus, behaviour, wellbeing and deeper learning. For teachers: more engaged classes and a boost to their own wellbeing too. And for nature? It’s essential.
Day two at Whixall Moss took things up a notch. Pond dipping, minibeast hunting and nature journalling reminded everyone just how magical the natural world can be. Seeing some of the unique wildlife for the first time reignited a sense of wonder in all of us - the kind we want every child to feel. Conversations about risk‑benefit, kit and logistics helped turn “what if?” into “why not?"
Throughout the days I reflected on how lucky we are that Vicky decided to join the SWT Team. As a former headteacher, she was able to tackle all the familiar worries: behaviour, time, paperwork, risk – to provide practical, real-world solutions and reassurance.
If we can inspire teachers at the start of their journey, we don’t just change lessons, we change futures. More outdoor learning. More nature connected children. A generation that knows, loves and protects the natural world.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust delivers CPD sessions for teachers at all levels of experience in school grounds and natural spaces across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
If you’re a school leader or teacher interested in finding out more, please email Ellie or Vicky at education@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.
