Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) welcomes the Government’s new Manifesto - launched on November 28 - encouraging teachers to put learning outside the classroom at the heart of the curriculum.
The Manifesto urges schools to use the wealth of educational opportunities on their doorsteps to inspire and motivate every pupil.

For more than forty years SWT has been providing high-quality environmental learning outside the classroom. This year, more than 15,000 children experienced trips to SWT’s education centres at Woods Mill, Henfield and Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford.

‘Too many children suffer today from what I call NDD or Nature Deficit Disorder.’ says Nigel Flynn, the Trust’s Education Manager. ‘SWT wants to re-connect children with nature, show them the wonders beyond the classroom and lead them towards lifelong care for their natural environment. We’re delighted that the Government has officially recognised the importance of such work and hope this Manifesto will drive forward real use of outdoor learning.’

Apart from organising school visits to its centres, SWT gives guidance to schools on how to develop their grounds more imaginatively to enrich curriculum teaching. The Trust has also recently introduced a Forest Schools programme giving children and young people regular opportunities to gain confidence and raise self-worth through a series of achievable hands-on bushcraft and conservation tasks in a woodland setting.

Teachers who would like to find out more about educational opportunities for their pupils at SWT should ring Nigel Flynn on 01273 497509.

Press enquiries: Amanda Solomon, Press Officer,
Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9SD.
Tel: 01273-492630