1. 2.3 Identify areas that could be used for outdoor learning
Award in Outdoor Learning Practice Outcome 2: Understand the learning opportunities in outdoor learning
2.3 Identify areas that could be used for outdoor learning

2. A blank canvass?

3. Let the grass grow! Likely to be a diversity of plants present
Incorporate development of your site into the curriculum
Stop the contractors from mowing it off

4. Create interest at your site or nearby

5. Encourage biodiversity

6. Create habitat

7. Vegetable gardens Bed systems use space more efficiently
Resulting in less soil compaction (clay soils)
Allow crop to cover ground and reduce weeds
Crops can be covered with plastic in spring / autumn to extend cropping period
Crops can be protected with fleece

8. Orchards
Fruit trees do not need lots of space. Cordons, espalier and varieties on dwarfing rootstocks can be kept very small and manageable
Consider varieties that have historical interest

9. Meadows Start by letting the grass grow long
Establishment of meadows depends upon mimicking agricultural regimes eg. Spring or summer hay meadows
Establishing florally rich meadows can be difficult.
Reducing the fertility of the soil is key to success

10. Ponds Water is an essential part of a wildlife friendly garden.
Ponds do not have to be deep or even hold water all year round.

11. Plant trees and shrubs Choose native species wherever possible
Consider planting mini orchards or small groups of fruit trees
Choose things which will be useful at Forest School
Plan the management of these new arrivals!

12. Adventure & Play
Earth Air Fire Water

13. Low Maintenance

14. Use your resource sustainably
Prune for renewal
Coppice broad leaved trees
Allow the site to recover
Make cost / benefits decisions
If more than one group uses the area, keep communicating!

15. Enjoy it!