Outdoor Learning

Every year we help around 6500 people to learn about their local environment through outdoor learning workshops and interactive walks and talks. In addition to school sessions, we offer learning opportunities to community groups and individuals.

For many of our visitors the outdoor learning programme is their first chance to get up close and personal with the natural world.  To ensure they get the most from their visit, our team has developed an exciting array of activities that we can offer all year round and tailor to the needs of those taking part.

We think it’s important to deliver something that is fun as well as informative, and to give all participants an understanding and appreciation of their local environment that will help ensure the parks are valued and respected in the future.

Our sessions are heavily subsidised by the Parks Trust as we believe that everyone should have access to outdoor learning opportunities and to gain understanding and love of their Parklands. By doing this we hope that the citizens of Milton Keynes will help us to protect our Parks forever, and be the most environmentally responsible citizens of any town (or City) in the UK.

FAQs for Outdoor Learning

• I have a question about my group session, what should I do?

  Have you had a look at the website? If you are still unsure, ring: 01908 233600 or you can email the Outdoor Learning Team: outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com

• Do you offer Forest School licences?

  We have several sites suitable for forest schools and we have a few external licenced operators who host them in these areas. Whilst spaces are limited we welcome requests from groups looking to host a forest school in suitable spaces. All activities need to be assessed for safety and suitability and licenced through our licensing process. We regret we can only accept applications from schools and organisations not individuals. Fees for commercial forest school operation are calculated per site operation at £125 + VAT per site. Activities may also be subjected to additional conditions and all applications must submit the following documentation: • Public liability insurance (minimum £5 indemnity) • Risk assessment for all activities • Environmental impact assessment • Certification for all practitioners For information please contact our Events and Community Engagement Manager on 01908 233600 or j.dawes@theparkstrust.com.

• Do you work with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme?

  We have two youth programmes that can contribute towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

  • Youth Explorers is a programme for 11-14 year olds. This can contribute towards the skill section of DofE. More information can be found by clicking here.
  • Youth Rangers is a volunteer group for 14-17 year olds. This can contribute towards the volunteering section of DofE but please be aware that this group meets on a monthly basis so you will need to check suitability with your DofE provider. More information can be found by clicking here.

  Unfortunately, we do not offer bespoke activities for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme due to the other commitments of the Outdoor Learning Team. If you would like to run your own event for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme on Parks Trust land, please see our information on hosting an event in our parks.

• Do you offer work experience placements?

  Unfortunately, no. We are not able to offer this due to the other commitments of the Outdoor Learning team. However, we regularly take part in work sharing events at Secondary Schools.