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Nature Network & Training for Educators
What is the Nature Network?
Seeing your learners marvel at nature's wonders and empowering them to make positive changes in their community is one of the most rewarding aspects of working with children. Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Education team is here to help you get more of those smiles into your lessons!
Our Nature Network aims to connect educators to resources, training and each other, to help them enhance their outdoor learning and make their school grounds a part of nature’s recovery.
CPD opportunities
Click below to find out more about our Educator training courses and events.
Nature Network Spring Gathering - FREE Nature Network Event for Educators
We are running this FREE Nature Network CPD session at North Down Primary School on 18th March 2026 from 4.00pm - 5.45pm.
We will be sharing best practice and practical ready-to-use ideas for taking your lessons outdoors.
We will be showcasing a variety of wellbeing focused activities with practical examples of using 'Nature to Nurture' ready for you to take back and use with your staff and students.
Improving Biodiversity & Outdoor Learning in School Grounds FREE Nature Network CPD Event for Educators
Come along to our Education Centre at Nower Wood on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, 3.45 - 5.45pm, for our FREE Nature Network CPD session.
Join education team members from SWT and the DfE’s ‘National Education Nature Park’ for a free practical session exploring how the Wildlife Trust’s ‘Wilder Schools’ and the NENP’s programme and online resources can work together for maximum impact to support you in delivering improved biodiversity in school grounds.
This training is suitable for teachers of all key stages; there will be focused workshops for EYFS/KS1, KS2 and Secondary educators.
Taking part in the initiatives improves biodiversity; enhances learner engagement; enriches curriculum delivery through outdoor learning; boosts mental health and well-being for learners and staff and helps your school in its work towards climate resilience and sustainability….Its a win-win!
Leading Outdoor Learning (Level 2)
Tuesday 7th October & Tuesday 11th November 2025 - Leatherhead
This accredited 2 day course will give you the skills and confidence to take your learning into nature, using your school grounds or local greenspaces as your classroom. Find out about the benefits of learning outdoors, what your grounds and natural spaces offer for delivering the primary curriculum, risk-benefit assessment and looking after your site. We will also visit a nearby school grounds to look at how they use their grounds in teaching and learning. Complete follow-up work to gain a certificate accredited at Level 2 by AIM Qualifications. We deliver this course in partnership with SOLD.
Webinars
Watch our educational webinars to find out more about outdoor learning, tree & hedge planting, and our Wilder Schools project.
The Benefits of Learning in Nature
Our Education Tutor Kirsty Porter takes us through the latest research supporting the reasons why we should take learners into natural environments.
Wilder Schools Project - How we can help you
Find out more about our innovative Wilder Schools Project; our Education Manager Louise Shorthose will tell you about the fantastic outcomes for achievement of staff and children, as well as for nature in your school grounds. Hear from a teacher from one of our current schools, and find out how to get your school involved too!
Planning your tree & hedge planting
We were pleased to welcome Francesca from Roots for the Future and Anna from Children's Forest to share with us their tips for planting trees with your schools and community groups. Further information and curriculum links in the webinar notes.
© Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
© Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
School gardens & wildlife
School Gardens are a fabulous opportunity for learning about how we depend on wildlife for our own survival alongside achieving teaching and learning outcomes, and developing life skills.
Further guidance
Tell us how we can help
We would love to hear suggestions about how we can help you to bring more nature to your teaching and learning! What topics would you like training to cover? How do you want to find out about our activities? What will make it easier for you to take part?
Contact us at education.centres@surreywt.org.uk