Outdoor Learning
There's something special about learning in the outdoors. We find that young people - especially those that struggle in a traditional classroom environment - thrive when given hands-on tasks in an outdoor setting. Everyone benefits from being better connected with nature, including teachers!
We work with schools and colleges to provide those inspirational outdoor learning opportunities for young people. Linking closely with the curriculum, we provide environmental education and training that stimulates the senses, challenges young people to think creatively and helps improve wellbeing through contact with nature.
Our projects can be delivered in school grounds, in local parks and green spaces or in our dedicated learning centres.
Upcoming Opportunities
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Summer Residential 2026
To access the links in the poster above, open the PDF by clicking the button below
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award offers young people the opportunity to develop skills, give back to their community, and take part in a challenging expedition.
Participants commit to volunteering, physical activity, and skill development over an extended period, building confidence, resilience, and independence along the way.
The Gold Award is widely recognised by universities and employers and provides a structured way to set goals and track personal progress throughout 2026.
Trip dates: 20 – 24 July 2026
Gambia Youth Development Programme 2026
Groundwork London is relaunching its UK–Gambia Youth Development Programme.
With over 25 years’ experience and 40+ successful projects, this programme brings young people aged 16–21 together for a safe, inspiring, youth-led venture in Gambia.
Participants will connect with local students, explore vocational skills, and develop confidence, leadership, and global awareness.
Our first trip takes place July 2026, after exams, with groups from schools, colleges, and youth organisations across London.
Expression of Interest deadline: Friday 20 February
Online info & Q&A: Thursday 26 February, 5pm
Benefits of Outdoor Residential Experiences
We know that school life and home life can be very busy. Your residential provides an opportunity to get into the outdoors, manage time away from your screens and digital world (TV, Phones & Tablets). It isn’t just about that, though; there are numerous other benefits:
- Reduces stress & anxiety
- Stimulates your senses
- Leads to better sleep
- Increases your Vitamin D intake
Outdoor learning centres
Groundwork manages a range of outdoor learning centres where schools can visit, and young people can have an inspirational experience. Some offer a full residential stay, while others are ideal places for day visits to experience nature and learn about environmental issues.
These include:
- Kilvrough Manor – Gower (residential)
- Woodlands – Black Mountains (residential)
- Yenworthy Lodge – N Exmoor coast (residential)
- Goblin Combe – Cleeve, Bristol (residential)
Alternative Curriculum
We provide alternative learning experiences for those young people struggling to engage with mainstream education, working with schools and pupil referral units. We’ve found that practical environmental projects are an especially successful way of re-engaging young people who have lost confidence in their abilities and the benefits that education can provide. This kind of training includes embedded literacy and numeracy, and guidance to help identify further training or work goals.
Outdoor classrooms within schools
Every school needs access to natural spaces that can provide a setting for outdoor learning. Our landscape architects work with schools to redesign school grounds to facilitate teaching outdoors, including helping to establish school allotments and orchards, creating nature habitats and teaching spaces. We can involve the whole school community in the process, allowing pupils to take a leading role in greening their school while engaging parents and local business volunteers.
Supporting school visits and trips
In many areas, our experienced educational workers can support teachers by planning and managing off-site visits – for example, leading forest school sessions, expeditions to sites of environmental interest or trips to learn about local industrial heritage.