Taking your maths lesson outdoors might sound scary to a teacher whose comfort zone is a whiteboard and 30 desks ranged in front of them. But showing a child the Fibonacci sequence in the seeds of a sunflower or the scales of a pinecone can bring something to life that will stick in their mind – even in the tension of an exam hall months later. Outdoor learning is far too rare – a third of children in the UK never, ever have lessons outdoors. But schools in Devon are bucking the trend and speak passionately about the difference it can make to children when learning leaves the classroom. Children who can be disruptive indoors feel more relaxed outside. The opportunities to explore, problem solve, take risks, work collaboratively and spend time outdoors have a significant impact on children’s confidence, resilience and wellbeing. They return to the classroom calmer, more focused and more ready to learn after spending time outdoors – whatever the weather. Crisis We are facing a crisis in young people’s mental health, with roughly one in 10 children now being referred to mental health treatment in England – double the number from seven years ago. Yet there is one treatment that costs nothing, is easy to administer and has proven positive effects on mental health and wellbeing – outdoor learning. It’s staggering to know that the amount of time children spend outside has fallen by 50 per cent in a single generation. Among those in the most deprived parts of the country, a fifth of children never visit the natural environment or spend meaningful time outdoors. Yet research shows that being out in nature makes children happy, and children who spend time outside care more about nature. Which is why I’m presenting a bill to parliament this week on outdoor education. It would require children spend at least 30 minutes a day outdoors. It would also require schools to provide a minimum of one lesson of teaching outdoors each week and to offer all children the opportunity of an outdoor experience at primary and secondary school. This bill is about improving the lives of our children and young people and using outdoor learning raise a generation of people who will care more about nature – the one thing we know will protect us from the most devastating effects of climate change. Research funded by DEFRA through Natural England found that 95 per cent of children found outdoor learning made lessons more enjoyable and 85 per cent reported a positive impact on student behaviour. Ninety-two per cent reported improved engagement of students with learning and 92 per cent reported increased student health and wellbeing. So why not do more of it? A lack of time spent outdoors and interaction with nature is linked to ADHD, obesity and depression due to reduced opportunity for physical activity and cognitive and social development. Parents who lack confidence or time may never spend time with their children outdoors, so it’s vital that we instil in young people a confidence and understanding of the outdoor world, to raise a generation who will be able to pass that knowledge on. There isn’t a subject on the curriculum that can’t be enhanced by outdoor learning – English, science, music, poetry, maths, drama, geography – all can be enhanced by teaching outside. But to do it, it’s crucial that trainee teachers are supported in incorporating outdoor learning in their training. Outdoor learning should be an Ofsted plus I want to see a curriculum and assessment review that includes outdoor learning, and that Ofsted include it as a plus when assessing how schools are performing. The holy grail of course is the outdoor residential. Something I and many others in parliament have long campaigned for. Yet the government has still not published its access to nature green Paper. And it ended the generation green funding which saw over 26,000 young people benefit from a fully-funded experience in nature – 80 per cent of whom came from deprived areas. Residentials cost money – but DEFRA funded research from the University of Cumbria demonstrates that there is a social return on investment of £4.32 for every pound spent on outdoor education as part of the curriculum. Outdoor residentials pull kids out of their comfort zone, teach problem solving, improve confidence and build friendships – all skills that will give kids the resilience to help them cope with the stuff that life will throw at them as they grow. And by building their confidence in the outdoors we are instilling a respect for, and understanding of nature, which is crucial as we face the challenges a changing climate will bring. It’s time we prioritised outdoor learning for every child.