Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Wilder Schools
Is your school ready to get wilder?
We want to inspire a love of nature in the next generation. That’s why we work with children, young people, schools and communities across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, facilitating unforgettable experiences to explore the natural world – starting in your school grounds! We are committed to inspiring and empowering our future nature advocates – instilling a deeper connection and appreciation of nature, greatly increasing the chances of them taking positive action for wildlife and the environment, in the future.
Wilder Schools delivers a learning journey which supports a whole-school approach, working with students and staff to deepen their connection to nature and equip them with the tools to lead a happier, more sustainable life. It facilitates the school to be more confident and skilled in outdoor learning and supports improvements to school grounds for people and wildlife.
The Wilder Schools programme works directly with up to 30 students (one class, or representatives from across a year group, in KS2 or above). We require at least two members of staff per school to form a ‘core team’ to facilitate and champion the programme, and to cascade additional learning and skills to colleagues across the school.
If you are interested in joining our next cohort commencing September 2026, please submit an application for receipt before Friday 29th May 2026.
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Paul Harris/2020VISION
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Why embed outdoor learning, and support action for nature in your grounds?
There are so many proven benefits to learning outdoors and connecting with nature, for both students and staff:
For students, learning outside the classroom brings topics to life, in the real world. It instils a deeper connection to the natural world, meaning that children and young people are more likely to take positive action for the environment in the future. We see increased levels of engagement, attainment, and skills alongside improved attitudes to learning. It’s also proven to boost physical and mental health, whilst supporting emotional regulation. We regularly witness improved behaviour, reduced stress and anxiety, stronger social skills, resilience, confidence, self esteem and increased independence.
For staff, taking learning outdoors can boost wellbeing and improve teaching practise.
By leveraging school grounds and local greenspaces, schools have a huge opportunity to create dynamic, engaging learning environments that support the whole child. We know that children and young people learn best when they are thriving! Outdoor learning shouldn’t be viewed as an extra, but a way of teaching that can enrich the delivery of the curriculum.
The Wilder School programme offers students the chance to take real ownership of a project, in an area they spend much of their daily lives, their school grounds. Action is driven by the students, with support from staff and WKWT. Learning in and about nature helps children and young people to develop a stronger understanding of the world around them and their place in it.
Are there additional costs?
The programme is valued at around £10K per school, over three years. However, thanks to funding from a corporate sponsor, successful schools will receive the programme free of charge. A Memorandum of Understanding will be set up between Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and each participating school to reflect the commitment of both organisations to ensuring delivery of a successful programme.
Students will be responsible for fundraising for grounds improvements, with support from teaching staff and WKWT, with an onus on building a sense of ownership and community. We suggest schools set a target of £300 from fundraising activities, but this is not a requirement of the programme.
Supporting documents
How to apply
To apply to become a Wilder School, email your application to education@wkwt.org.uk with the following information:
- Confirmation that the school leadership team understand the commitments of and agree to the programme.
- Why your school would like to join (max 500 words).
- Photograph(s) of your school grounds and let us know which year group you would like us to work with (KS2 up).
If you are interested in joining our next cohort commencing September 2026, please submit an application for receipt before Friday 29th May.
Interested in joining the programme but would like more information first? Please send any enquiries to education@wkwt.org.uk
