Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher and Further Education, officially opened the Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

The new facility aims to improve understanding of outdoor learning amongst the teaching profession, whilst also enabling the community to connect to the natural world in new ways. The Hub will now support activity, wellbeing, learning and teaching locally, as well as upskilling teachers across the UK in outdoor learning.

The move reflects the growing understanding of the value of outdoor learning, and QMU’s expertise in this field. The Hub will equip current and future teachers, community educators and volunteer leaders with the knowledge and skillset to confidently use outdoor spaces and places to enhance the learner journey of young people across Scotland. Also designed to be an asset for the local community, it is a resource for all to enjoy. 

Located within the attractive leafy grounds of the QMU campus, the Hub is made up of outdoor structures, trails, woodland and developing natural spaces. Waymarkers featuring QR codes connect visitors to supporting online resources. With engaging multimedia content and the opportunity for the teaching professional to gain outdoor learning qualifications, the Hub will also develop as a national education facility.  

Patrick Boxall, lecturer in education at Queen Margaret University, has led the development of the University’s outdoor education work. He said:

“It is well evidenced that outdoor learning supports mental health and wellbeing, engagement in learning, creativity, inclusion, and child development. Beyond that, it helps foster a great understanding of, and respect for, the natural environment and thus nurtures a commitment to sustainability in the next generation. Through the digital resources that we have created to augment our Outdoor Learning Hub, we will support teachers and children across the UK and beyond to understand their relationship with the environment, how we utilise nature’s resources to support health and wellbeing, and protect it for future generations.”

Patrick continued: “Beyond that, people enjoying time together outside can help build strong communities, and so we want to encourage teachers and community activists to use the Hub to meet, socialise, exercise and learn in the outside environment.”

The Hub has been created with the support of Architecture & Design Scotland and NatureScot. Its central feature is The Howff, a unique hand-crafted wooden shelter with a wildflower roof, skylight dome and windbreak. This can be used as a gathering place or teaching facility for students, staff and the community. This bespoke shelter was crafted by Tree-ditions, an East Lothian maker, using traditional skills and local timber.

The Discovery Trail is a route round the campus, following way-markers, that provides an accessible route through our woods, terraces, meadow, pond, hedgerows, and the University’s Wee Forest. Each point on the trail marks a different type of environment that gives people opportunities for activity, learning and wellbeing. 

Higher and Further Education Minister, Graeme Dey attended the launch. He said: “Outdoor learning is an important part of Scotland’s curriculum and has a vital role to play in the wellbeing and attainment of children and young people across the country. It is clear that Queen Margaret University has taken this on board with their fresh approach to education. I have no doubt that the Outdoor Learning Hub will equip both current and future teachers with the skills they need to confidently utilise outdoor space to enhance the learning experience for pupils and students.”

“Our work supporting Scotland’s learning estate focuses on enhancing and extending learning experiences. We are delighted to have collaborated with QMU and supported them with the creation of the Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail. We believe the OLH, and associated resources, have the potential to improve and enhance the outdoor learning experiences and environments of young people across Scotland.”

Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “When we introduced primary teaching and a PGDE (postgraduate teaching qualification) to our course portfolio at QMU in 2019, we resolved to take a fresh approach to teaching education. One aspect of this has been a focus on outdoor learning, and we have gone on to become a leading advocate for the inclusion of outdoor learning, and learning for sustainability, within education courses. The Outdoor Learning Hub is a physical manifestation of our commitment to outdoor learning.  

“We are grateful to our partners who share our vision for the Hub, which will enrich our teaching curriculum, enhance our student experience, and support the delivery of outdoor learning qualifications for the teaching profession. We are proud to play an important role in linking education with the natural world, health, citizenship and environmental protection.”