Budget-Friendly Outdoor Learning Hacks
Outdoor learning boosts academic success, health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to be expensive! At Nene Park Trust in Peterborough, our education and learning team loves hosting your school visits, but we know you can bring the outdoors into your daily teaching too, without breaking the bank. Here are my top six budget-friendly hacks:
1. Strip it back to the essentials
What do you really need to take learning outside? Forget the fancy gear and start with the basics:
- Something to sit on
- A hard surface for writing
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Once you’ve got those, you’re good to go! Fancy extras can come later.
2. Raid the cupboards
Chances are, your school already has useful supplies. Check storage rooms, ask long-time staff, and collaborate with other departments. Geography might have spare clipboards, and Science could have magnifying glasses. A little staffroom diplomacy (biscuits help!) can save you money.
3. DIY your equipment
Why buy when you can make? A single £15 sheet of hardboard can become a whole class set of clipboards with a few bulldog clips. Foam roll mats can be cut into seating pads for a fraction of the price of camping mats.
Need ID guides for plants? Use free apps like Seek or Flora Incognita to create your own, or get students involved in making them. Great for IT, design and literacy skills!
4. Ask for donations
Your school community can be a goldmine! Let parents and local businesses know what you need – gardeners might donate plants, tree surgeons can provide logs for seating and families may have spare waterproofs and wellies. Top tip: Label boots with sizes and “L” or “R” for easy sorting!
5. Look for funding
Once you’re up and running, you may want specialist equipment to enhance your outdoor sessions. Check out grants from:
Learning through Landscapes
National Education Nature Parks
Ernest Cook Trust
Local businesses may also help – get students to write persuasive letters for an extra learning opportunity!
6. Build staff confidence
A great outdoor space needs confident staff! Free webinars from the Institute for Outdoor Learning and Council for Learning Outside the Classroom are a great start, or consider accredited training like the Level 2 Curriculum-Based Outdoor Learning Practitioner.
At Nene Park Trust in Peterborough, we offer outdoor learning training options including RQF registered Forest School Leader training courses and tailored CPD at very competitive prices – click here to learn more!
To explore our full education offer and outdoor learning opportunities, please click here.
