Seven principles for engaging schools with nature: pooling the expertise of teachers and nature educators

Joseph Scott Boyle , Kim Polgreen, Lauren Baker, Vicky Bullard, Nicholas Carter, Stephen Cappleman, Rodger Caseby, Ellie Chanarin, Mia Clement, Martha Crockatt , Cecilia A. L. Dahlsjö, Helen Edwards, Melissa Mercedes Felipe Cadillo, Lauren Hammond, Anant Jani, Rebecca Ladbrook, Rosalind Marsden, Charles Montier, Heather Needham, Sean Scratchard, Marcus Simmons, Anka Tara Stanković, Emily Stott, Patrick Vasy de la Cruz, Sarah Watkinson, Jenny Wynn, Yadvinder Malhi

Nature connection in schools can address several issues faced in both environmental and educational fields. However, guidance is limited and many aspects can feel daunting or risky for schools under multiple other constraints. As a group of researchers, schoolteachers, and nature educators, we have co-produced seven guiding principles for integrating nature within UK schooling, particularly in secondary education where current nature education shortfalls leave opportunities for impactful improvements: (1) experience nature first-hand, (2) address key school issues, (3) work close to school, (4) diversify views of nature, (5) embrace co-learning, (6) mediate with care, and (7) work together and celebrate difference. These principles can be adapted to curricula and collaborative learning models, promote pupil and staff wellbeing, and offer actionable, flexible guidance for transformative, educational nature engagement. Nature’s interconnectivity and variety can accommodate many learners and their many paths while improving attainment and wellbeing outcomes for schools, staff, and pupils.