It was encouraging to read David Attenborough’s views (Report, 10 January) on the importance of environmental education in schools, and the need for young people to experience the natural world at first hand. Research has shown that learning outside the classroom can lead to environmental behaviour changes and greater environmental responsibility, besides benefits including raised attainment, improved behaviour and better mental and physical health.

Attenborough says learning about nature should be “on a par” with maths and English; done well, LOtC can use the outdoor environment as a tool for teaching maths and English, increasing pupils’ awareness of the environment and improving numeracy and literacy skills. School grounds are an ideal starting point for LOtC, enabling low-cost and frequent activities, without the burden of paperwork. Urban schools with “playgrounds that are just tarmac” are not excluded from this. Resourceful teachers have found room to grow vegetables in tubs or create ponds in raised containers to introduce pupils to the natural world. The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (www.lotc.org.uk) can provide teaching ideas and resources for LOtC activities, including free online guidance.

Beth Gardner, Victoria Wilcher

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

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