Putting adventure on the curriculum

By Joanna Barnett · 1 May 2026

Outdoor learning

Jo Barnett, Chief Executive of the Institute for Outdoor Learning reports on a successful event at Westminster to promote the benefits of outdoor learning

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning (APPG-OL) hosted a successful 'MP’s Drop-in Event' in March at Westminster to celebrate all things Outdoor Learning and the inclusion of 'nature, outdoors and adventure' in the English Enrichment Curriculum.

There was a particular focus on the equity of access to nature learning opportunities, supporting mental health and wellbeing through outdoor activities and the evaluation of the Adventures Away from Home programme.

Tim Farron MP is Chair of the APPG-OL and a leading advocate in Parliament for outdoor learning. Tim says:

“The barriers include risk aversion, lack of funding, lack of training, resource pressures on schools… but it is so vital to young people. Not only for their sense of worth, sense of value and leadership skills, but also for being in uncomfortable situations so they can find their way out. How much better would it be if we could build resilience in young people so that we minimise some of the mental health issues later in life?”

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What’s next?

The next key piece of work for the APPG on Outdoor Learning is an ‘Access and Equity Review on Outdoor Learning from a Curriculum Enrichment Perspective’.

Keep up to date through the webpage => outdoor-learning.org/voice/government-engagement/appg-ol.html

Get involved!

Help keep Outdoor Learning firmly in the minds of Westminster politicians:

• Add your school’s Outdoor Learning provision to the online outdoor learning map, a resource to help MPs see what’s happening in their constituency.
• => outdoor-learning.org/voice/government-engagement/outdoor-learning-digital-map.html
• Invite your MP to visit your school and learn about your Outdoor Learning provision and how it benefits your students.

Image - A moment in the MPs’ APPG-OL drop-in event in Westminster: (L-R) Dr Sarah Collins, Nick Beighton (OL Ambassador and Paralympian), The Earl Russell, Dr Kaye Richards, Manuela Perteghella MP, Tim Farron MP (APPG-OL Chair), Ellis Munro (OL Ambassador for Young People), David Watts, Sir Julian Lewis and Keeley Rodgers