February | 2012 | Getting Outside

Now that the weather is getting better we can think about getting out and about for our learning a lot more. Sustrans have lots of resources available through their Free Range Kids campaign which aims to help children and young people build their confidence and skill to travel independently, to play outdoors and to explore their local community safely.

Sustrans are also hosting the Big Pedal, which will involve children from more than 800 schools getting out and about safely on their bikes. The Sustrans DVD features Garrowhill Primary School in Glasgow as a wonderful example of a project which involves the whole community in building biking skills and in getting 5yrs-adults out and about on their bikes! Garrowhill are a champion sustainable school, but they have built their bike club programme around the health and community agendas too.

Paths for All have published a brilliant resource called Happy Feet which has some really good advice for people leading walking activities in and around the neighbourhood. The resource is free to download and can be found alongside other materials for walking with children and young people here.

Meanwhile – happy springtime walking to school, work, home or wild and beautiful outdoor space!

Just as the mornings are getting a wee bit lighter and the world starts waking up into early springtime, we have a lot of upcoming opportunities to think about looking after the earth and keeping it beautiful. Three events which present many opportunities for learning through the outdoors are:

Fairtrade fortnight begins 27th February until 11th March and this year there is a campaign about taking active steps to promote fairtrade products and practice in your neighbourhood and community. More information can be found here.

Green Schools Week begins 26th – 30th March with many schools joining the green schools revolution through growing their own food, taking care of the school grounds and local surroundings and participating in sustainable development education activities about healthy living, energy and water. There are masses of ideas and resources available through the GSR site here.

Lastly, WWF’s Earth Hour will take place this year on 31st March. All over the world people will be switiching off lights and wearing it bright to demonstrate their intention to protect the natural world and tackle climate change. There is an education support pack and other resources as well as information about Scottish events available here.

Happy Feet and Free Range Kids

Looking after the Earth