Our Outdoor Learning Voice at Westminster
Statement of Purpose
Through outdoor learning, we support the development of sustainable behaviours in children, young peoiple and adults which lead to:
- Personal Happiness, health & wellbeing and self-fulfilment
- Preparedness foor work and economic independence
- Readiness for active stewardship and citizenship
Building on heritage - responding to the challenges of today.
Key Asks for 2026
- We ask the UK Government to carry out an Access and Equity Review into Outdoor Learning to identify,
- Who is benefitting from Outdoor learning?
- Who is not benefitting from Outdoor learning?
- Identify what are the barriers they face.
- We ask the UK Government to guarantee regular time in nature for ALL children and young people, with additional funding and support for those who need it most using the Nature Premium model.
- We ask the UK Government to recognise that outdoor learning is integral to youth work practice by embedding Outdoor Learning into the National Youth Strategy. Of the 14 million young people in the UK, only 4 million have access to youth work provision. With an Outdoor Learning and Youth Work approach, play access can be extended, and the vital role of supporting the holistic development of young people will incrementally increase. Young people’s life skills and opportunities will improve. This does require equitable access to outdoor learning experiences that support young people with their personal, social and educational development, and helps their wellbeing.
- We welcome the new core enrichment entitlement for every pupil that includes nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activities; and developing wider life skills. We ask the UK Government to ensure that access to nature and Outdoor Learning is not for the privileged few, but a guaranteed part of education for every child in every community, whether rural or urban.
- We ask the UK Government to utilise an outdoor learning provision and workforce in responding to the mental health agenda of developing green prescribing practices for children and young people across mental health services and practices. Mental health conditions begin by mid-adolescence, and if left untreated, adolescent-onset mental health issues can persist into adulthood with severe consequences for the individual, their families and for society. Psychosocial outdoor learning interventions have positive impacts on young people who have experienced trauma and help develop resilience and self-efficacy.
- We ask the UK Government to welcome the passage of the Schools Residential Outdoor Education Bill in the Scottish Parliament, noting the strong evidence that Outdoor Learning and Youth Work enhance young people’s engagement with education, foster teamwork, resilience and confidence, and encourage pro-environmental attitudes from an early age. We ask the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead to ensure that every child has access to these life-enhancing opportunities.
APPG News
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Outdoor Learning was re-launched on the 6th May 2025
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Outdoor Learning was re-launched on the 6th May 2025 with MP Tim Farron as the Chair. Changes to rules on APPG’s late in 2023 and the general election in 2024, meant the APPG for Outdoor Learning temporarily became a MP Support Group. To see a record of the event and the MPs involved, please look at the approved statement regarding the formation APPG for Outdoor Learning.
This relaunch has also proved to be the catalyst for a number of other conversations inside the walls of the UK Parliament involving Outdoor Learning and Outdoor Education. This included the Early Day Motion 944 'Wellbeing benefits of outdoor education to young people' and the granting of a Westminster Hall Debate.
Today, the Outdoor Learning community in the UK has come a long way in achieving recognition amongst Members of Parliament at Westminster (MPs). This was not the case only a few years earlier. Whilst there were and remain many sympathetic MPs and civil servants, the dialogue between the many stakeholders in the Outdoor Learning community and those charged with developing policy, funding and legislation was quite limited.
Following its creation in 2021, the APPG met under it's then Chair, MP Robin Millar with the IOL as the Secretariat. The request was to increase engagement of MPs and the outdoor learning providers in their constituencies. To support this, a digital map was created by the IOL, so all MPs could easily contact providers.
The IOL also prepared an A6 briefing card on the benefits and impact of outdoor leaning to be shared with MPs. The card has the QR code that links to the digital map.
A little about APPGs
The Nature of All-Party Parliamentary Groups. An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) consists of Members of both Houses who join together to pursue a particular topic or interest. In order to use the title All-Party Parliamentary Group, a Group must be open to all Members of both Houses, regardless of party affiliation, and must satisfy the rules agreed by the House, for All-Party Parliamentary Groups. The Register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups, which is maintained by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, is a definitive list of such groups. It contains the financial and other information about Groups which the House has decided should be published. The Register is published on the parliamentary website and updated approximately every six weeks.
All-Party Parliamentary Groups cover a diverse range of subjects and are established for a rich variety of purposes. They provide a valuable opportunity for parliamentarians to engage with individuals and organisations outside Parliament who share an interest in the subject matter of their Group. They are not however official parliamentary bodies, and Groups must avoid presenting themselves in a way which leads to their being confused with select committees.
Please contact your MP to encourage them to engage with Outdoor Learning. Use the UK Outdoor Learning Digital Map to find the contact details of your local MP. If you are a Provider and would like to be added, email us.
Updates and resources are being developed on the IOL website for UK and Home Nation Government Engagement.
IOL Manifesto 2024-2029
Outdoor Learning professionals are building on the distinguished heritage of outdoor learning in the UK and are ready to respond to the challenges facing young people today. Through outdoor learning we support the development of sustainable behaviours in young people and adults which lead to Personal happiness, health and self-fulfilment Preparedness for work and economic independence Readiness for active stewardship and citizenship Outdoor Learning is Life Long Learning.
If you wish to support the work of the IOL VOICE please contact the IOL by email.