Nature Days has completed one of its most successful and impactful years to date, reaching thousands of young people, supporting educators across Wales and beyond, and continuing to champion high-quality outdoor learning.

During the 2025/26 academic year, Nature Days delivered an incredible 93 field trips across 35 schools, inspiring more than 3,000 students from Nursery through to Year 12. Learning experiences took place at 17 different locations, including the grounds of more than 10 schools, covering over 25 curriculum-linked topics.

The year brought every challenge the British weather could offer—from three heatwaves to a month of relentless rain and deep mud—but outdoor learning continued regardless. Nature Days also supported schools with the introduction of the new GCSE Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) fieldwork, delivered INSET training and Additional Development Days (ADDs), and engaged with hundreds of teachers and adultsthrough professional learning events. Alongside school programmes, family outdoor activities continued in partnership with Gower Society Youth, helping connect even more people with nature.

A Year of Professional Achievement

The academic year also saw a remarkable series of national and professional milestones.

Highlights included:

• Publication of Learning Indoor and Out in the Primary School: An Integrated Approach.
• Co-authoring a chapter in a leading professional book on outdoor learning.
• Publication of articles in the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s Horizon magazine.
• Publication of an article in the Geographical Association Primary Magazine.
• Achievement of Senior Fellow status with the Institute for Outdoor Learning in recognition of professional leadership.
• Successful reassessment and renewal of the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.
• Representation of the Institute for Outdoor Learning on the Nature-Based CPD Partnership, while also representing Wales within the group.
• Establishment of the Swansea School Outdoor Learning Network, linking with Neath Port Talbot and laying plans for wider regional expansion.
• Invitation to UK Parliament to speak with Members of Parliament about water testing and environmental education.
• Television interview on ITV Wales discussing water testing and citizen science.
• Joining the Field Studies and Outdoor Learning Special Interest Group within the Geographical Association.
• Securing £20,000 of National Lottery funding to support a new community project.
• Continuing to serve as Chair of the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s Curriculum Based Outdoor Learning and Field Studies Professional Practice Group, as well as Chair of IOL Cymru South.

Sharing Expertise Nationally

Throughout the year, Nature Days continued to influence outdoor education across the UK by delivering workshops and contributing to major conferences, including:

• Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Conference
• Institute for Outdoor Learning North West Conference
• Geographical Association Annual Conference

Nature Days also participated in:

• Outside the Box: Outdoor Learning & Play Conference
• Institute for Outdoor Learning and AHOEC Continuing Professional Development events
• Schools Outdoor Learning Conference, Cumbria

Looking Ahead to 2027

The coming year promises to be another exciting chapter, with plans already underway to celebrate a significant milestone.

In 2027, Nature Days will celebrate 20 years of inspiring learning through nature. Planned activities include:

• A nationwide school tour celebrating the publication of Learning Indoor and Out in the Primary School.
• Hosting an online conference through the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s Curriculum Based Outdoor Learning and Field Studies Professional Practice Group.
• Expanding teacher training opportunities to share Nature Days’ integrated approach to outdoor learning with educators across the UK.

Reflecting on the year, Nature Days continues to demonstrate that meaningful outdoor learning transforms education, builds confidence, deepens understanding of the natural world, and creates lasting memories for young people and teachers alike.

With twenty years of experience approaching, Nature Days remains committed to helping every child learn, explore and thrive outdoors.