The National Education Nature Park

The National Education Nature Park formed part of plans, announced at COP26, detailing how the UK education sector is to become a world leader in climate change by 2030.

The initiative will encourage the whole of the education estate to improve the biodiversity of their grounds. From creating pollinator-friendly habitats where biodiversity can thrive, to digging ponds, the concept will showcase how the education estate will create an environment that supports climate resilience.

The Nature Park will also provide opportunities for young people to take part in community science and in biodiversity monitoring and data analysis – learning important key skills for the future.

The climate action award scheme, which will be co-designed in collaboration with children and young people, will help them develop their skills and knowledge in biodiversity and sustainability. It will also celebrate and recognise their work in protecting the local environment.

A partnership, led by Esri UK and the Natural History Museum, working with the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Society, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)), Learning through Landscapes, Manchester Metropolitan University and additional supporting partners, will work with the education sector to help them to map, manage and enhance all the land across the education estate, creating one, vast, virtual, nature park.

The Natural History Museum will also create an online hub where a wealth of information and teaching resources will empower teachers in delivering climate education and help them bring lessons outdoors, supporting the curriculum as well as improving pupil’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The Museum’s online hub will also start to share guidance that teachers can access alongside suggestions of seasonal activities they can engage with to inspire and support children and young people’s learning.

To find out more visit the Natural History Museum website. More information about the government’s flagship Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education is available by following the link.