Schools across England are invited to join the first ever ‘Nature Discovery Week’ this summer
(c) Trustees of the Natural History Museum
Children and young people across England are being invited to collect vital data on what lives and grows on school sites – something that has until now, remained largely unknown.
During the first ever ‘Nature Discovery Week’ (Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July), as part of the National Education Nature Park programme, schools, colleges and nurseries across the country are recording species to build a national picture of nature on school grounds. They’re collaborating with Natural History Museum scientists into groundbreaking research into nature recovery.
Teachers are being encouraged to head outside with their class and explore with one or more of the National Education Nature Park's nature surveys – from counting pollinators to recording important plants – and upload their findings to a national map.
This forms part of the National Education Nature Park, a free programme for education settings in England that sees young people leading the way in transforming their school, nursery and college outdoor spaces into nature-rich havens. It has been commissioned and funded by the Department for Education and is led by the Natural History Museum working with the Royal Horticultural Society and additional partners. From mapping habitats and conducting nature surveys to creating wildflower meadows and digging ponds on their education sites, children and young people across England are taking real action for local wildlife that adds up on a national scale. They’re supporting scientific research while developing vital skills, knowledge and a lasting connection with the natural world.
Together, children and young people across England have the power to make a real, measurable difference to nature, and it all starts with stepping outside.
Following the surveys, children and young people will be able to see their observations alongside everyone else's on the Nature Park Map, and scientists will use the data to start to calculate the overall biodiversity across all schools in the Nature Park and study which habitat improvements are the best for supporting local wildlife.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said: "Spotting local wildlife is always exciting, but it's even more exciting knowing that your observations are part of real scientific research of national and global importance! The Natural History Museum is delighted to be working with thousands of schools, colleges and nurseries to answer questions about how school grounds can best nurture local wildlife, all while supporting young people’s learning, skills and wellbeing. I'm looking forward to seeing the Nature Park Map continue to light up with all of the wildlife observations being made during Nature Discovery Week."
Schools Minister, Josh MacAlister said: “Childhood should be full of chances to get outdoors, explore and discover. Time outside sparks curiosity, builds confidence and brings learning to life.
“By counting pollinators, identifying plants and mapping habitats, pupils will contribute to real scientific research while helping create greener, healthier spaces for their schools and communities.”
To take part in Nature Discovery Week, schools should sign up at: https://www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/nature-discovery-week-26
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Notes to editors
For more information please contact the NHM press office:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5654 / 07799690151
Email: [email protected]
About the National Education Nature Park
The National Education Nature Park is a free programme for education settings in England that embeds nature and climate education across the curriculum, as young people lead the way in transforming their school, nursery and college outdoor spaces into nature-rich havens. It has been commissioned by the Department for Education and is led by the Natural History Museum working with the RHS, and additional partners.
From mapping habitats and conducting nature surveys to creating wildflower meadows and digging ponds on their education sites, children and young people across England are taking action for local wildlife. They’re supporting real scientific research while developing vital skills, knowledge and a lasting connection with the natural world.
Partners for nature
The National Education Nature Park has been commissioned by the Department for Education, and is delivered by a partnership led by the Natural History Museum with the Royal Horticultural Society supported by Learning Through Landscapes, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, National Biodiversity Network Trust, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Royal Society and Manchester Metropolitan University. Esri UK is the geospatial technology partner in the programme, providing the digital mapping platform.
Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy
Following the publication of its sustainability and climate change strategy, the Department for Education has commissioned three initiatives that support education settings on their sustainability journey and embed climate and nature into everyday teaching and learning. These complementary initiatives include access to support to get started or prioritise next steps on the sustainability journey through the online Sustainability Support for Education service; access to experts to help planning and delivery of climate action plans through the Climate Ambassadors programme and the Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisors; and digital tools and resources to empower children and young people to lead the way in decision making and action in their setting as part of their journey through the National Education Nature Park.
About the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a world-leading scientific research centre and one of the world’s most visited museums. Our mission is to create advocates for the planet – people who act for nature. Our 400 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency - from reversing biodiversity loss to resourcing the green economy. We are seeking an additional £150 million to transform our South Kensington building: placing our groundbreaking research at its heart, revitalising four existing galleries, opening two new magnificent galleries and delighting 1 million more visitors a year with the wonders of the natural world.
About the RHS
We’re the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow. Our mission is to be there on people’s lifelong journey with gardening – to bring happiness, health, stronger communities and a thriving natural world. With 220 years of experience, we support gardeners of all ages with expert advice, community and schools projects, scientific research, professional qualifications, our five RHS Gardens, and events including the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk. RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
About Esri UK
Esri UK is a GIS (Geographic Information System) software company, developing a range of geospatial solutions for digital mapping and spatial analysis. Customers include the Environment Agency, Cabinet Office, Vodafone and the National Trust. The company’s Education programme provides free access to its ArcGIS software, teaching resources and training for all UK schools. Currently used by over 3,500 schools and 135 universities across the UK, Esri’s software helps students learn new skills. For more information please visit: www.esriuk.com
About Learning Through Landscapes
Learning through Landscapes is the UK’s leading outdoor learning and play charity, with a UK-wide team of experienced outdoor educators and school grounds designers. Our vision is a society where outdoor learning and play are recognised as a fundamental part of education and every child benefits from regular time outdoors as part of their school day. Our work is dedicated to supporting schools in achieving this vision through three main avenues: We provide resources, training, and funding to help educators develop the skills and confidence to deliver curriculum-led outdoor learning and high-quality outdoor play at school. We champion the importance of rich outdoor environments for learning and play, supporting the development of climate-ready, future-proof school grounds through our projects and consultation work. Through projects like My School, My Planet, we nurture nature connection in children by providing valuable outdoor experiences to pupils who typically spend the least time in the natural world. For over 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of developing and delivering innovative projects, supporting schools and early years settings with our unrivalled knowledge and expertise. We work closely with partners across the UK and internationally to advocate for outdoor learning and play in every school day, helping every child enjoy the benefits of learning and playing outdoors.
About the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a leading independent research institute dedicated to understanding and transforming how we interact with the natural world. With over 600 researchers, we tackle the urgent environmental challenges of our time, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Our evidence-based insights empower governments, businesses, and communities to make informed decisions, shaping a future where both nature and people thrive.
About the National Biodiversity Network Trust
The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Trust is a small charity with a big plan – to make data work for nature. For more than twenty years we’ve been making biodiversity data accessible, to support better decisions about the natural world and to connect people with nature. But there’s so much more to do – and the urgency is greater than ever. It’s estimated that as little as 50% of existing biodiversity data is available to those who need it. If we’re to succeed in reversing the collapse of biodiversity, our decisions must be based on the most complete and highest-quality evidence. This is where the NBN Trust, our network and our members have a unique and vital role to play. https://nbn.org.uk/ https://nbnatlas.org
About the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, professional practice, public engagement, and geography input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and Membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’. www.rgs.org
About the Royal Society
The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine. The Society’s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. http://royalsociety.org/. Follow the Royal Society on Twitter (@royalsociety) or on Facebook (facebook.com/theroyalsociety)
About Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is making an impact on Manchester, the UK and beyond, with a driving ambition to discover and disseminate knowledge, and make higher education accessible and beneficial to all those with the passion and ability to succeed. The University, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, is home to 43,000 students with an alumni network of more than 340,000 graduates. 90% of its research is rated as ‘internationally excellent’ and it has been rated in the top three most sustainable universities in the UK for the past 11 years.