ID252 Creation of an outdoor learning space

The Idea

There is extensive empirical research highlighting the benefits of exposure to nature and health (Jimenez et al. 2021) for children and young people. However, in the UK, three quarters of children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates (Carrington, 2016) and outdoor play has reportedly decreased by 50% in a generation (Powell and Firth 2024:10). Therefore, the importance of supporting students, to use and appreciate the affordance of outdoor spaces has never been higher. Consequently, we propose creating an outdoor learning space to develop the relationship between learners and the natural world. Keele, due to its campus location, has opportunities for outdoor learning that are currently untapped. 

Therefore, we propose the building of an inclusive pedagogical space within the woodlands near the lake to be used by students and lecturers -. This space will have the dual function of being both a simulation of an outdoor education space for BA Education students, but also a venue for wellbeing activities across the wider student cohort.   This area would consist of low-cost seating (made from a circle of wooden stumps) and a series of activities (e.g. a mud kitchen, a construction area to encourage creativity, a minibeast exploration area).  These activities are then set up as a simulation of forest school provision for the pedagogical benefit of students exploring how outdoor spaces can facilitate teaching and learning. This space has an additional wider application for students on other programmes which might explore, for example, the wellbeing benefits of natural environments, aspects of child development or education for sustainability through learning to appreciate the natural world. 

In terms of the inclusive nature of the outdoor space, it would be located in a place accessible for wheelchair users. More broadly exposure to natural environments has been linked to reducing stress, improve mood and enhance self-regulation to the benefit of students with diverse needs (Murray and O’Brien, 2020). 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

There is a strong pedagogical argument for to encourage university students to experience nature, experiential learning activities and promoting education for sustainable development. This outdoor education space will link initially to the BA Education first-year module 'Identity and Spaces,’ second year placement module, and the third-year dissertation module. This has additional potential to link to degrees that explore the natural world and wellbeing such as Geography, Psychology, Social Work, and child or mental health nursing amongst others.

How We Would Implement This Idea

This could be implemented as a student-staff partnership project for the initial build, potentially as part of a work placement module. It would then become part of the BA Education curriculum and offered to other degree programmes (for examples see above) as a model of creative pedagogical practice. 

What Success Would Look Like

Success would be an engaging, safe and inclusive practical space for learning and play utilised by our students across the university. This space has the possibility to improve student wellbeing, and it will also provide pedagogical research opportunities for lecturers. This project will showcase the value and beauty of Keele campus by immersing students and other participants in nature and the natural environment. 

Ultimately, the building of an inclusive outdoor learning space for our students, will help to better utilise the Keele woodland supporting holistic development and wellbeing in the staff and student body whilst also enriching the curriculum offer across degree programmes. References 

References 

Carrington D. (2016) Three Quarters of UK Children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates – survey The Guardian available at https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/25/three-quarters-of-uk-children-spend-less-time-outdoors-than-prison-inmates-survey  accessed 13/08/26 

Firth B. and Powell R. (2024) ‘Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play’ Raising the Nation: Play Commission available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ckOdG4Rf7tdUUv4B2P6C7BoP5ei_ferT/view  accessed 13/08/26 

Murray, R., and O’Brien, L. (2020) Supporting Special Educational Needs Through Outdoor Learning: A Review of Evidence. Farnham: Forest Research.