Stepping Stones to Nature - Schools Programme

Stepping Stones to Nature supports children to grow up well through a connection with nature and their local National Park.

The Stepping Stones to Nature Schools Programme works with primary schools to help children grow up well through a connection with nature and their local National Park. Through regular sessions in school grounds, local green spaces and visits to the North York Moors, children develop confidence, skills and a deeper understanding of the nature and our environment.

The Schools Programme is delivered together with Sylvan Lore, an experienced outdoor education company.

Read the Pilot Report

How it Works

The programme works with primary schools and delivers sessions in both school settings and natural environments. Children begin with regular sessions in school grounds and local green spaces before progressing to visits to the North York Moors National Park, where they can apply what they have learned and spend time exploring, creating, playing and learning in nature.

Stepping Stones to Nature works with schools serving communities where access to nature is often limited. This includes areas across Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough, some of which are among the most deprived in England. Many of the children involved face social, economic and physical barriers to accessing green space, and the programme aims to reduce these barriers and provide equitable access to nature.

Aims

Improve children’s health, social, developmental, and academic outcomes.
Deepen children’s connection with nature and the National Park.
Nurture a lifelong motivation to take active steps to protect nature.
Strengthen nature confidence among teaching staff to encourage independently-led nature-based learning.

Ouputs and Outcomes

Since 2024, the Schools Programme has:

Worked with five primary schools on Teesside.
Engaged more than 350 children to connect with nature
Delivered over 240 school-based sessions.
Provided regular weekly engagement across the academic year for participating children.
Enabled visits to the North York Moors National Park and ranger show and tells sessions in the schools.

Early evaluation of the pilot programme from 2024 shows strong outcomes across children's health, wellbeing, development and learning.

Health and Wellbeing

Regular engagement with nature helped children feel happier, calmer and more able to engage with learning.

79% of children felt that taking part benefited their health and wellbeing.
73% said they felt calmer during and after sessions.
70% of parents noticed their child was calmer, happier and more focused.
100% of teachers agreed the programme supported or improved pupils' wellbeing.

Confidence and Resilience

Nature-based challenges encouraged children to try new things, work independently and develop resilience.

90% of children reported feeling more confident after taking part.
100% of teachers agreed the programme helped children develop confidence.
Teachers observed children becoming more willing to participate, work as a team and take on leadership roles.

Development and Learning

Hands-on activities supported children's physical, social and cognitive development while enriching classroom learning.

84% of children enjoyed the hands-on, skill-based activities.
69% felt the programme helped them with school and lessons.
90% of parents felt the programme had a positive impact on their child's development.
100% of teachers agreed the programme enriched the curriculum.

Connection with Nature

For many children, Stepping Stones provided their first sustained opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with the natural world.

100% of participating children said they felt more connected to nature.
84% reported spending more time outdoors as a result of the programme.
60% of parents said their child wanted to spend more time outside after taking part.
Teachers reported that the programme influenced classroom practice and wider school culture, including increased use of outdoor learning.

Beyond the Sessions

The impact of the programme extends beyond our direct engagement with children. Teachers report improved behaviour, focus and collaboration following outdoor sessions, while parents describe children showing greater curiosity about wildlife and the environment at home.

The pilot found the programme inspired wider changes within participating schools, including the development of outdoor learning approaches, greater use of school grounds for education and wellbeing, and increased confidence among teachers to embed nature within the curriculum.

Through continued delivery, Stepping Stones to Nature demonstrates how regular, sustained engagement with nature can support children's outcomes while helping schools use the natural environment as a powerful resource for learning and and improving outcomes.

We work with a school for a whole academic year and due to current funding, we are only able to work with two schools in this period.
We have plans to expand the number of schools we engage with in the near future, subject to funding.
If you are a school based in Redcar and Cleveland or Middlesbrough and are interested in taking part, contact j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
Between July 2025 and July 2026 Trust received funding from Rounton Coffee. This funding is supporting the delivery of the schools programme. The remainder of costs are being covered by the Trust.
Between April 2024 - December 2024 the schools sessions were funded by Ryedale and Whitby NFU Mutual through the Agency Giving Fund.
We are actively seeking sponsorship of the project. If you are interested in funding this work and having a real impact on the next generation, email j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
Yes, sessions are delivered free of charge to participating schools.

Read more about the full Stepping Stones to Nature programme here.