As part of our work at the Education for Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF), we recently held the ‘Nature Wellbeing, Taking Notice’ training by Field Studies Ireland. We were hosted at the Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA) base in the beautiful surroundings of Clandeboye Estate, Bangor. This peaceful location, known for its afterschool clubs and seasonal schemes, was the perfect setting to deliver the training. It also gave the opportunity for others to see the facilities, new building, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, indoor and outdoor campfires, polytunnel and planted areas which give regular visitors and groups the chance for free-flow learning. 

We welcomed a range of participants for the free training day, some full-time outdoor educators, those aiming to introduce outdoor learning at their sites, educators who haven’t tried outdoor learning before, staff from local authorities and trusts, students, freelancers and individuals with a personal interest. This was not just a learning experience, but also a chance to network and learn from each other while hearing more about ESDF, Field Studies Ireland and the NIFSA site.  

The session was led by Mark from Field Studies Ireland, who introduced us to the concept of outdoor education and how it can complement formal education. He shared the two evidence-based pillars of outdoor education: Place-based education, which connects people to the places they live and learn in and Experiential learning, a child or learner-led approach that fosters curiosity and hands-on discovery. 

The training day began simply by taking notice. Starting with spotting and naming what we could see around us, we identified native and invasive species, discussed poisonous plants versus those safe to pick, and settled into the nature around us. Throughout the day, we moved across different parts of the estate, from established NIFSA setups to lakeside, shaded areas, under impressive trees, and woodland spots. At each location, we explored new topics, tree diversity, biodiversity, leaf litter, native versus invasive species, and even fascinating ideas to spark learning, like ice age and noble trees. 

The group even delved into history, the meaning of place names, the laws that protected trees and habitats and the earliest form of writing in Ireland. Mark wove these lessons together with engaging teaching techniques, ideas and suggestions, from sensory learning to the use of boundary-setting, task cards, and group activities. We discussed approaches to behaviour and group dynamics, all with the aim of protecting, engaging, and connecting the learner to the environment.  

A key message was how taking notice ties into nature wellbeing. Using the public health agency’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing, we saw how outdoor learning, including our training session, can encourage taking notice, being active, connecting, learning, and giving – all through meaningful learning experiences in the natural environment. 

By the end of the day, we had not only deepened our understanding of how to teach about nature and learning outdoors, but also experienced firsthand, through our learning experience, the power of curiosity, exploration, and discovery.  

One participant said: ‘I thought the training was extremely interesting and insightful. The range of different activities and being able to connect with people from various backgrounds and organisations was very beneficial. I thought the session couldn’t have gone better as it makes you realise that through the smallest of activities, you can learn so much. As a future PGCE student, it allowed me to gain insight into the benefits of outdoor learning, and different ways in which it can be done.’ 

Many thanks to NIFSA for the use of the site, Mark at Field Studies Ireland for his expert guidance and excellent training and all our attendees for joining us and sharing their experience and knowledge.  

If you would be interested in further training sessions and events from the Education for Sustainable Development Forum, please sign up for our free monthly newsletter at www.esdforum.org.uk