Learning through Nature Project Inspires Future Conservationists - Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
A pioneering two-year project, led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, has empowered educators, communities and young people across Derbyshire to connect with nature and take action at what is a critical time for the biodiversity crisis.
With £222,000 awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Learning through Nature programme has enabled Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to expand its existing early years, young people, and school-based programmes, train dozens of educators and volunteers, and create valuable pathways into green careers.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust used the funding to scale up its existing community programmes, including Nature Tots for 3-5 year olds and Junior Rangers for 11-18 year olds, and provided subsidised accredited training to schools in five areas of Derbyshire.
The Trust also expanded its Wilder Schools Programme to encourage more outdoor learning and delivered five traineeships to develop careers in community engagement and practical conservation following the success of its Working for Nature programme.
Highlights of the programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, include:
- 24 early years professionals trained to run nature connection sessions for children aged 0-5, in partnership with local communities, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) charities and nursery staff.
- 35 Junior Rangers aged 11-18 engaged in sessions to gain skills in campaigning and practical conservation, with a further 42 enlisted for new groups.
- 36 school staff trained in Outdoor Learning and Forest School leadership, now leading nature-based learning across Derbyshire schools and improving school grounds.
- 5 trainees supported with qualifications, mentoring, and work experience, alongside 90 others participating in career-focused workshops.
- Hundreds of new wildlife habitats—from ponds to bird homes—created by communities, schools, and youth groups involved.
Now, the Trust is hoping to continue the legacy of the project as a leading provider of accredited training courses for outdoor learning and forest school, and through its new online Wilder Schools Network to inspire and equip future generations.