Nature-based learning

Nature-based learning can boost learning, encourage personal development, and foster environmental stewardship. Discover nature-based learning opportunities at our forest and peatland sites.

What is nature-based learning?  

Nature-based learning is an evolving term that captures the idea that experiences in ‘nature’ and the outdoors can be used to boost learning, encourage personal development, and foster environmental stewardship.  

Nature-based learning be applied anywhere and at all levels, including early childhood care, primary and secondary schooling, higher education, professional development, and community learning.

Two boys standing next to a young tree looking at an identification sheet.

There is a growing body of evidence about the benefits of nature-based learning including: 

  • improving learners’ attention, 
  • reducing levels of stress 
  • promoting self-discipline, interest and enjoyment in learning, and
  • supporting physical activity and fitness, and relationship building.
People doing various tasks with tools in a grassy area.

Nature-based learning at our woodland creation sites 

Forest and Peatland programme sites provide a great setting for nature-based learning. 

For University staff and students, our Academic Manager can help facilitate field trips, site visits, and research activities. For more information visit the education and research webpage.  

Our Community Ranger works across the three University owned sites where we are creating new woodland: Drumbrae near Bridge of Allan, Rullion Green Wood in the Pentland Hills and Barvick Burn Wood near Crieff. 

We want to provide opportunities for local residents, schools, and community groups to visit these woodlands, take part in nature-based activities and build connections to the landscape. We also want to ensure that groups that face barriers to accessing the outdoors are supported to take part.  

You can watch a video with Seeds of Disruption Youth Group who took part in a 6-week programme at Rullion Green Wood, while achieving a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award. (coming very soon!)  

We also have a creative report from two Day of Access events hosted at Rullion Green Wood and Drumbrae.

Day of Access report

Resource packs  

These packs have been created to support self-led visits to our woodland creation sites. The packs provide basic information covering key topics including woodland creation, biodiversity, cultural heritage and learning, teaching and research. There are maps with suggested routes, simple group activities, tree ID resources, travel information, and a handy checklist to help you prepare for your visit.  

Everyone is welcome to download and use the resource packs. Perfect for field trips, school visits and community groups.

Support our community activities with a donation

We have a donations page if you would like to support our community activities. Your donation could help fund travel costs for schools to get to site, resources and CPD for teachers / youth group leaders, or buy wildflowers / trees for community events.

Use our sites for nature-based learning

If you are a school, youth group or community organisation interested in visiting our sites for nature-based learning at one of our sites, please get in touch.

Contact our Community Ranger

Contact details

  • A large group of people on a sunny day in a grassy area with trees providing some shelter and water visible in the left.
  • A woman speaks to a group of people, with leaves of a plant in her hand. Trees are visible in the background.
  • A person holds some leaves up to the camera.
  • A group of people sheltering under a tarp outdoors and smiling for a photo.
  • A group of people enjoy standing in water on a sunny day.

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