Martin described the magnificent National Education Nature Park programme, available free to all schools in England, to get youngsters out into nature, to enhance biodiversity, to improve wellbeing
Last updated
00:00 - 17:33 Presentation
17:33 - 40:13 (end) Q & A
pr 23, 2025 11:52 AM London ID: 834 5460 8536
Martin presented his background and discussed the National Education Nature Park, a five-year program launched in October 2023, which aims to increase biodiversity in schools, colleges, and nurseries. He also introduced the Climate Ambassadors program, which provides free support for settings writing their climate action plans, and highlighted the benefits of the Nature Park for young people. The ongoing work to relaunch a program more suitable for early years was also discussed, along with the current number of schools signed up for the project and the role of Martin's team in supporting education settings.
Actions:
Martin to share data on the proportion of schools that have signed up to the National Education Nature Park program.
Martin to forward contact information for Louis and Jenna (East of England regional leads) to Kirsten.
Martin to provide Neil with information about potentially presenting at his July event.
Martin to check if the evaluation report on short-term effects of the program is available on the website.
Martin to follow up with Esri and Natural History Museum colleagues about potentially adding dots on the map for schools that have signed up but not yet mapped their boundaries.
Martin and Eleanor to assist interested participants in identifying schools in their areas that have signed up for the program.
Martin's Environmental Studies Background
Martin presented his background in environmental studies and ecology, sharing his experience in managing sites for a water company and education programs. He is currently working on a project at the Nature Park, which he will discuss in detail. Graham and Tristram expressed interest in the project, with Tristram asking about the funding and other details. Martin agreed to address these questions later in the presentation.
National Education Nature Park Program
Martin discussed the National Education Nature Park, a five-year program launched in October 2023 as part of the Department for Education's sustainability and climate change strategy. The program is led by the Natural History Museum and aims to increase biodiversity in schools, colleges, and nurseries, improve green and digital skills, and foster a connection with nature. Over 5,200 settings have signed up, with the goal of mapping their outdoor spaces to inform future conservation efforts. The program follows a five-step process, including mapping the outdoor space, identifying opportunities, making decisions, making changes, and recording the impact. Curriculum-linked resources are available for each step, and the program is free for all educational settings in England.
Climate Action Plan for Education
Martin discussed the Department for Education's initiative for every education setting to have a Climate Action Plan by 2025. The plan includes four pillars: biodiversity, climate action, adaptation and resilience, and decarbonisation. Martin highlighted the Nature Park's role in supporting these pillars, particularly in biodiversity. He also mentioned the CO-OP Academy of Manchester's green wall project, which demonstrated a 10-degree temperature difference in a south-facing wall. Martin introduced the Climate Ambassadors program, which provides free support from professionals for settings writing their climate action plans. He emphasized the benefits of the Nature Park for young people, including a connection with nature, physical and mental well-being, and digital and green skills. Martin also mentioned the availability of high-quality resources for staff and the support of regional staff members for settings. He concluded by stating that the Nature Park's work could inform scientific research and contribute to environmental conservation.
Education System Collaboration and Outcomes
Martin presented an uplifting presentation about the education system, highlighting the collaboration and positive outcomes. Graham and Cllr Stuart Withington expressed their appreciation for the presentation. Cllr Lydia Havill asked about the proportion of schools that have signed up and the outcomes of their interventions. Martin explained that the unit size and time scales involved in the management of the interventions might be a challenge for head teachers and SLT. He also mentioned that the awareness of these challenges is being discussed at a higher level. Graham opened the floor for questions, and Neal expressed interest in using Martin's presentation for an upcoming event. Martin agreed to provide assistance, depending on the event and his availability. Cllr Joanne Stone asked if the program is open to any school and college, and Martin confirmed that it is.
Relaunching Early Years Program Discussion
Martin discussed the ongoing work to relaunch a program more suitable for early years, with the goal of launching it in the new academic year. He mentioned the program's potential to link with geography and science, and its current focus on primary education. Martin also highlighted the program's relatively new status and the need to improve its marketing and communications. He mentioned the program's current evaluation process and the hope for continued funding beyond the current five-year period. Councillor Withington asked about the program's lasting effects, to which Martin responded that they are currently conducting year-on-year evaluations to assess the program's impact.
Project Expansion and Regional Contacts
Martin discussed the current number of schools signed up for the project, which is 651 in the West Midlands region. He clarified that the project is open to all schools, including private ones, as long as they have a unique reference number. Ken inquired about the connection between the project and forest schools, to which Martin responded positively, stating that they work with forest school leads and see the Nature Park as a way to enhance the connection with nature. Kirsten asked about the contacts for the East of England region, to which Martin provided the email addresses for Louis and Jenna.
Supporting Education Settings With Resources
Martin discussed the role of his team in supporting education settings, including providing resources and guidance. He mentioned that his team can help identify schools in a specific area that have already signed up for their program. Peter raised a concern about the difficulty in finding the interactive map on their website, which Martin addressed by explaining that the map only shows schools that have mapped their outdoor space. Martin also mentioned that his team can assist in finding schools that are already signed up. Cllr Withington shared a challenge faced by schools in finding time for extra activities due to a tight curriculum, to which Martin responded that they are working on improving their resources to better align with the curriculum.
00:32:56 Lydia Havill | Centre for Sustainable Energy | Bristol: What proportion of schools have signed up and where are they on their journey?
00:40:49 Joanne Stone, Shiplake PC: When you say it is available free for all schools, does this include the private sector? I would assume not. Such schools tend to have more grounds and thus a great potential for making an impact.
00:42:10 Lydia Havill | Centre for Sustainable Energy | Bristol: Replying to "What proportion of s..."
Thank you!
00:51:24 Martin Harrison: email address for the West Midlands setting: westmidlandsnature@ltl.org.uk (see next comment below)
00:52:14 Eleanor Hervieu: Sorry, that email above is slightly wrong. Its - westmidlandsnaturepark@ltl.org.uk
00:53:17 Eleanor Hervieu: Resources | Education Nature Park
00:54:32 Martin Harrison: Email address to get in touch: hello@educationnaturepark.org.uk
00:54:59 Lydia Havill | Centre for Sustainable Energy | Bristol: Thanks very much!
00:46:48 Eleanor Hervieu:
