The Educator Magazine U.K. September - December 2025 issue. - Magazine - Page 56
9 OUT OF 10 PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS THINK SPENDING TIME
IN NATURE SHOULD BE PART OF SCHOOL CURRICULUM
• WWF launches nationwide Happy by Nature initiative
to tackle green space inequality in UK primary schools
• Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall joins WWF as new
ambassador to help all children get their daily dose of nature
Nine in 10 (91%) parents with primary schoolaged children (aged 11 and under) think
spending time in nature should be part of
the curriculum, according to new research
by WWF [i], published today to launch the
charity’s new primary school programme.
half of parents (46%) would prioritise the
improvement of green spaces in their child’s
school, while over a third (36%) would
prioritise sports facilities and one in five
(20%) would prioritise arts facilities such
as music rooms or drama studios.
As millions of children return to school after
the summer holidays, many face the
prospect of spending their breaktimes in
grey and uninspiring playgrounds.
However, despite the clear benefits of
spending time in nature, 70% of primary
schools don’t offer daily opportunities for
their children to connect with the natural
world [ii] – and the gap is even wider in
low-income communities, where just 18% of
students have daily access to nature,
compared to 52% in more affluent schools [ii].
Across the country, natural features like
grass and trees have been removed from
school grounds leaving them dominated by
materials such as tarmac, rubber crumb and
astroturf, with schools increasingly building
playgrounds and fixed play equipment on
artificial surfaces that absorb and retain
heat in the summer, provide little shade and
shelter, and are prone to flooding.
The new research findings reveal almost half
(45%) of UK parents with children aged 11 or
under don’t think their child spends enough
time outdoors, despite almost nine in 10
(88%) believing that spending time in nature
is a very important part of growing up. An
overwhelming majority have noticed the
positive impact of spending time in nature:
- Almost nine in 10 (88%) say spending time
in nature improves their child’s physical
health.
- 86% say it has a positive impact on general
mood and wellbeing.
- 80% say it improves behaviour.
- Over three-quarters (77%) say it improves
concentration.
- Just under three-quarters (72%)
say it has a
positive impact on academic
performance.
Many parents want to see change,
with green spaces such as gardens,
trees and playing fields topping
the list of facilities they want to see
improved at their primary school.
WWF’s research shows almost
That’s why WWF is launching Happy by
Nature – as part of its flagship Prescription
for Nature campaign – to help children
connect with nature every day, starting with
those who need it most. Aiming to reach
one million children by 2028, the charity’s
mission is to help schools across the country
turn grey playgrounds into better spaces
to experience nature and embed it into
everyday learning and play, ultimately giving
every child the chance to have a daily dose
of nature.
Through its programme, WWF is supporting
schools with:
• Funding & expertise: £100,000 fund for 10
pilot schools to green their outdoor spaces.
• Free toolkits: Practical guidance for all
schools to improve nature-based play and
learning.
• A new learning platform: Inspiring
primary school pupils to explore and
protect the natural world, including a live
lesson programme featuring wildlife
presenters live on location.
• Removing barriers: Partnering with
organisations to provide outdoor gear so no
child misses out.
Steve Backshall – wildlife presenter,
father of three young children and WWF’s
new ambassador – is supporting Happy
by Nature:
“I’m really proud to be supporting WWF’s
Happy by Nature initiative. Nature has always
been a lifeline for me – from my earliest
memories right through to now, as a dad
watching my own kids light up when they’re
outdoors.
“But far too many children are missing out on
those magical moments in nature. By making
time outdoors a regular part of the school day,
we can open up a world of discovery, learning
and joy – and help raise a
generation that’s not only healthier and
happier, but more connected to the world
around them.”
Tanya Steele, CEO at WWF, said:
“Our research shows that spending lots of time
in nature can be life-changing for
children – lifting their mood, improving
behaviour and concentration. Not every school
has a woodland on its doorstep, but with a little
imagination even a bare
playground can become a place where
wildlife and children flourish together.
“As another school year swings into action,
we’re determined to give every child the
opportunity to experience a daily dose of
nature – just 20 minutes a day can make all
the difference to their wellbeing and future.”
WWF is urging schools and teachers to
help pupils get their daily dose of nature
at school by exploring the charity’s Happy
by Nature Hub [iii] and signing up for free
resources designed to support nature-rich
learning environments and outdoor
experiences.
