Devon has a beautiful and diverse landscape and getting children outdoors to learn about the natural world is the best way to help them be inspired and to connect with the nature on their doorstep!
Through both direct provision and a range of partnerships, Devon County Council provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor education and events for schools and community groups. Find out more about:
- Grand Western Canal
- Stover Country Park
- Exe Estuary
- The Dartmoor Centres
- North Devon Biosphere
- Active Devon – The Active Devon website provides lots of ideas, activities, useful links and resources to help get active outdoors and connect with nature.
Devon Local Nature Partnership (LNP)
Find a wide range of resources on the LNP website, including:
- Find an outdoor learning expert near you (NEED)
- Learn about Devon’s natural history
- Resources for schools
- The evidence for outdoor learning
Visit: Environmental education – Devon Local Nature Partnership
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC)
The CLOtC is a national charity that champions all learning that happens beyond the classroom. Their work supports educators, schools and organisations who are dedicated to ensuring more children and young people have opportunities for life-changing learning experiences beyond the classroom, whether these happen indoors or outdoors, close to home or far away.
Visit: https://www.lotc.org.uk/
Outdoor education and off-site visits, safe practice, support and advice
Devon Education Services offer a range of training, support and advice, we focus on a positive attitude to risk and reward, providing you with common sense and practical advice enabling you to lead engaging, rewarding and safe activities as well as assisting schools and settings to manage their responsibilities for the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people when engaged in off-site visits and activities.
For further information or to arrange a consultation visit Outdoor education advice, guidance and training | DES
Composting in schools
Turning twigs, leaves and bits of vegetables and fruit into gorgeous rich compost which helps plants grow is one of the natural world’s magic tricks! Composting can also be a fantastic learning resource which can support many curriculum areas. It can get kids out of the classroom, learning practical, useful science. Whether your topic is minibeasts, habitats, growing, micro-organisms or global warming, your compost bin can provide hands-on learning opportunities for pupils of all ages.
Visit: Compost – Zone