Stepping Stones to Nature
Stepping Stones to Nature is a programme designed to support children to grow up well with nature.
Through a tailored programme of sensory, nature-based and curriculum-enhancing activities we connect children with nature to promote good health and wellbeing, spark creativity, support development and learning, and boost confidence, communication and concentration.
The programme takes children on a journey of nature connection from school grounds to the North York Moors National Park, where they can utilise newfound skills and provide time for freedom to interact, investigate, create, play, and learn with and in nature.
We work with primary schools serving some of the most deprived communities surrounding the National Park, including areas in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough, communities which sadly rank in the top one percent most deprived in England.
We believe the greatest impact of our approach - and the benefits of connecting with nature - will be felt in communities where opportunities to access nature or the National Park is limited, and where children face significant economic and social barriers to visiting independently with family or friends.
Stepping Stones to Nature is a project developed by the North York Moors Trust and delivered on our behalf by Sylvan Lore.
The project was funded by Ryedale and Whitby NFU Mutual in 2024 and the North York Moors Trust in 2025.
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Improve children’s health, social, developmental, and academic outcomes.
Deepen children’s connection with nature.
Nurture a lifelong motivation to take active steps to protect nature.
Strengthen nature confidence among teaching staff to encourage independently-led nature-based learning.
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Between April 2024 and April 2025 we worked with three primary schools: Grangetown and Caedmon in Redcar and Cleveland and Thorntree Academy in Middlesbrough.
The project has engaged 110 children aged between seven and nine, as well as 14 member of teaching staff.
As of April 2025, the project has delivered 37 day sessions, enhancing nature knowledge and skills while supporting health, wellbeing and development, and enriching the learning experience for children from some of the local area and England's most deprived communities.
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We released an impact report from the pilot phase of our project covering April - December 2024 , including more details regarding the programme, findings and recommendations. We have also shared an evaluation document.
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We will be working with two new primary schools located in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough from June 2025 to April 2026.
We have plans to expand the number of schools we engage with in the near future.
If you are an interested school based in Redcar and Cleveland or Middlesbrough, please contact j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
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The project was funded by Ryedale and Whitby NFU Mutual through the Agency Giving Fund from April-December 2024.
The project was funded by the North York Moors Trust between January-April 2025.
We are actively seeking sponsorship of the project in 2025 and 2026. If you are interested in funding this work, please email j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
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