London Wildlife Trust is determined to get school children out of the classroom and into nature.

Do you remember those perfect days at school when your teacher decided on a whim to take the lesson outside and, amid much excitement, you and your classmates continued your studies under a tree? Getting out of the classroom and into nature breathed life into learning.

For inner city kids who might not have a garden of their own, spending time in nature is especially important. If you are learning about the wildlife and the environment it makes sense to study it hands-on in the school grounds.

This year London Wildlife Trust is making it easier than ever for primary school teachers to use outdoor spaces, including school grounds, local parks and nature reserves, to teach. For the first time, the Trust’s Green Schools pack gathers all the information and resources a busy teacher needs into one easily accessible place.

The Trust has worked in partnership with EC1 New Deal for Communities to create the pack, which uses wildlife, gardening and the environment to deliver key elements of the National Curriculum at Key Stage One and Two. Education coordinator Leah McNally is excited about launching the pack this spring, certain that it will become indispensable for teachers keen to go green.

As well as lesson plans and activity ideas, the pack offers advice on things like how schools can set up gardens in their grounds. It also contains useful contacts, health and safety information, and possible sources of funding. The Green Schools pack will make taking lessons outside easy, and help open up London’s nature to a new generation.

The next generation is important to London Wildlife Trust. Over the last year the Trust’s worked with over 5000 young people, both on key sites and during school visits.  Find out more about our education work.