Trusted Ad Partner
Education & Learning: Over a Quarter of England’s Schools Are Transforming Their Grounds for Nature
9 October 2025
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
Children exploring with magnifier (c) Matthew Roberts
🌿 At a Glance: National Education Nature Park
- Over 7,500 schools, nurseries and colleges in England are now part of the free National Education Nature Park programme.
- More than one in four schools nationwide are transforming their grounds to support biodiversity and outdoor learning.
- 13 million+ square metres of habitat have been mapped - equal to around 10,400 Olympic-size swimming pools.
- £12 million in grants awarded so far, with a further £3 million announced for 1,000 more schools.
- Pupils have created over 1,200 new habitats, including ponds, wildflower patches and raised planters.
More than one in four schools and colleges across England are turning their outdoor spaces into thriving green environments, as part of the National Education Nature Park programme.
From digging and planting to mapping and sharing, pupils across the country are transforming grey playgrounds into habitats rich in life - improving wellbeing, outdoor learning, and responsibility along the way.
A Nationwide Effort to Turn ‘Grey to Green’
Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) and led by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and others, the programme helps young people create a network of nature-rich spaces on school sites across England.
Now entering its third academic year, the Nature Park has already achieved impressive milestones:
The initiative empowers every child and young person to take meaningful action for nature, connecting with the natural world, understanding the challenges it faces, and developing both green and digital skills through the curriculum.
Inspiring Change Across England
Dr Jess Tipton, Head of the National Education Nature Park at the NHM, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the young people and educators who have driven real change over the past two years. It’s inspiring to see over a quarter of schools nationwide transforming their spaces and addressing biodiversity loss. This year, we’re aiming even higher, embedding a culture where nature is at the heart of everyday learning - starting with our youngest learners.”
The DfE’s grant funding, administered by the RHS and regional delivery teams, has driven strong engagement across all nine regions of England.
Regional registration rates:
Transforming School Grounds
From wildflower meadows to green walls, schools are bringing biodiversity to life. Two schools are going above and beyond.
In its first two years, the programme has awarded more than £12 million in DfE funding to over 1,250 educational settings, with a further £3 million now available to support 1,000 more. Grants are prioritised for schools in areas with higher deprivation and limited access to green space.
Education Minister Josh MacAlister said: “From new ponds and green walls to diverse wildlife patches and water butts, thousands of children are now connecting with nature through our National Education Nature Park programme. This government is ensuring every young person has access to enriching experiences that build opportunity and resilience.”
Growing Green Skills for the FutureNic Buckley, Head of Learning at the RHS, added: “It’s fantastic to see more young people getting outdoors and connecting with nature. From meadows and fruit trees to habitats for pollinators, the Nature Park is equipping the next generation with vital green skills and a sense of wonder for the natural world.”
To date, students have made over 1,200 habitat improvements, including:
Recently, the NHM welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales to its new gardens, where they met students from Nature Park schools including Kender Primary (Lewisham) and Co-op Academy Manchester.
Get Involved
Schools, nurseries, and colleges in England can register for the National Education Nature Park and begin their journey toward a greener future at:
👉 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk
Read the full annual report here:
👉 educationnaturepark.org.uk/annual-report
From digging and planting to mapping and sharing, pupils across the country are transforming grey playgrounds into habitats rich in life - improving wellbeing, outdoor learning, and responsibility along the way.
A Nationwide Effort to Turn ‘Grey to Green’
Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) and led by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and others, the programme helps young people create a network of nature-rich spaces on school sites across England.
Now entering its third academic year, the Nature Park has already achieved impressive milestones:
- Over 7,500 schools, nurseries and colleges registered
- More than one in four primary and secondary schools taking part
- 13 million+ square metres of habitat mapped across education sites
- 1,100+ schools actively mapping their habitats
- £12 million in grants awarded to more than 1,250 schools and nurseries
The initiative empowers every child and young person to take meaningful action for nature, connecting with the natural world, understanding the challenges it faces, and developing both green and digital skills through the curriculum.
Inspiring Change Across England
Dr Jess Tipton, Head of the National Education Nature Park at the NHM, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the young people and educators who have driven real change over the past two years. It’s inspiring to see over a quarter of schools nationwide transforming their spaces and addressing biodiversity loss. This year, we’re aiming even higher, embedding a culture where nature is at the heart of everyday learning - starting with our youngest learners.”
The DfE’s grant funding, administered by the RHS and regional delivery teams, has driven strong engagement across all nine regions of England.
Regional registration rates:
- North East: 21%
- North West: 18%
- Yorkshire & Humber: 17%
- West Midlands: 18%
- East Midlands: 17%
- East of England: 14%
- London: 9%
- South West: 12%
- South East: 13%
Transforming School Grounds
From wildflower meadows to green walls, schools are bringing biodiversity to life. Two schools are going above and beyond.
- Kings Rise Academy, Birmingham: A once-derelict playground corner has become a thriving wildflower meadow, now home to four butterfly species.
- Keyham Barton Catholic Primary, Plymouth: Pupils turned a tarmac corner into a plant-rich calm space, led by the student council and supported by the Tree Council.
In its first two years, the programme has awarded more than £12 million in DfE funding to over 1,250 educational settings, with a further £3 million now available to support 1,000 more. Grants are prioritised for schools in areas with higher deprivation and limited access to green space.
Education Minister Josh MacAlister said: “From new ponds and green walls to diverse wildlife patches and water butts, thousands of children are now connecting with nature through our National Education Nature Park programme. This government is ensuring every young person has access to enriching experiences that build opportunity and resilience.”
Growing Green Skills for the FutureNic Buckley, Head of Learning at the RHS, added: “It’s fantastic to see more young people getting outdoors and connecting with nature. From meadows and fruit trees to habitats for pollinators, the Nature Park is equipping the next generation with vital green skills and a sense of wonder for the natural world.”
To date, students have made over 1,200 habitat improvements, including:
- 200+ new ponds and bog gardens
- 200+ water butts installed
- 100+ wildflower patches created
- 2 wheelchair-accessible raised planters
Recently, the NHM welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales to its new gardens, where they met students from Nature Park schools including Kender Primary (Lewisham) and Co-op Academy Manchester.
Get Involved
Schools, nurseries, and colleges in England can register for the National Education Nature Park and begin their journey toward a greener future at:
👉 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk
Read the full annual report here:
👉 educationnaturepark.org.uk/annual-report
📚 OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ:
Next article: Zeiss Secacam 3 Trail Camera for Nature Observation
Next article: Five essential tips when choosing a new nest box for your garden
Next article: Ancient skull discovery pushes human origins back over a million years
Next article: SWAROVSKI OPTIK release light and compact ATC/STC spotting scopes
Next article: Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
Next article: Six of the best RSPB nature reserves to watch owls in the UK
Next article: The best nature reserves to head to in the cold weather
Next article: Endangered tansy beetle hides out at WWT Welney
Next article: Zeiss Secacam 3 Trail Camera for Nature Observation
Next article: Five essential tips when choosing a new nest box for your garden
Next article: Ancient skull discovery pushes human origins back over a million years
Next article: SWAROVSKI OPTIK release light and compact ATC/STC spotting scopes
Next article: Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
Next article: Six of the best RSPB nature reserves to watch owls in the UK
Next article: The best nature reserves to head to in the cold weather
Next article: Endangered tansy beetle hides out at WWT Welney
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works