2024 Year in Review: A Year of Climate Action
Our CEO, Carley Sefton, reflects on another successful year for Learning through Landscapes and looks ahead to 2025.
A couple of weeks ago, I experienced the absolute highlight of working at LtL — and trust me, there’s a very high bar!
Our whole team went on an away trip to the Midlands where my amazing colleagues, Holly and Ali, were tasked with setting up an afternoon of outdoor fun for us. In the planning stages, it all sounded lovely: a festive-themed scavenger hunt ending with building outdoor dens. However, when we got to the woods, we found something they couldn’t have planned for: a deep, pristine blanket of snow.
But weather is never an obstacle at LtL! My role in the activities? Hot chocolate and refreshments! I laid a picnic blanket on the snow and set out a couple of flasks, marshmallows, gingerbread men, and (of course) a sneaky bottle of Baileys. As I set up our little spot, I was transported into our very own LtL winter wonderland, filled with the playful laughter of my colleagues echoing from every direction.
I honestly can’t remember a time I felt so content. Sitting on my little blanket in the snow, surrounded by unadulterated joy and silliness felt like pure winter magic. That picture-perfect moment in the woods gave me a new perspective on a few things, that I will come back to later! First, however, I’d like to take the time to reflect on what has been another successful year for Learning through Landscapes.
A year of climate action and outdoor learning
This year, climate education has been a focus for all our work. Conversations around the role education has to play have grown louder, and schools have increasingly turned to us for practical ways to support learning in the face of these challenges. While the world feels increasingly uncertain, one thing remains clear: outdoor learning is more important than ever.
Our work with the Education Policy Institute culminated in the publication of Climate and Education: Strategies for Adaptation, Learning, and Play. This paper brought together insights from two round table discussions and a webinar exploring the role of climate education and outdoor learning in today’s curriculum, as well as the importance of using school grounds for climate resilience and adaptation.
We were thrilled to have Stephen Morgan MP join us for the final webinar. The paper not only identified opportunities, but also called for practical support to help raise the importance of educators feeling confident in this space. As climate education becomes an ever-growing focus, I’m proud that LtL is leading the conversation with both expertise and action.
Empowering schools with our Local School Nature Grants
The Local School Nature Grants (LSNG) programme continues to be at the core of our work, and it’s been a joy to watch it grow again this year. Thanks to support from the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve now reached over 10% of all UK schools, delivering outdoor resources and training that make a real difference.
From urban playgrounds to rural school grounds, I’ve seen children discovering joy in their outdoor spaces — building dens, creating habitats, and learning in ways that spark awe and wonder. At the heart of LSNG is building teacher confidence and transforming school grounds into spaces of exploration and play.
A great boost to our confidence and a fantastic way to start planning as a staff how we can encourage outdoor learning across the curriculum.
— Strathyre Primary
I’m delighted to say that LSNG and LSNG XL will be back early next year, so if you haven’t applied yet, 2025 is your chance!
Celebrating award-winning projects
2024 has also been a year of celebration. Our My School My Planet project in Walsall was recognised with an Education Award from the West Midlands Combined Authority. The project brought together over 300 young people to explore climate solutions, reimagine their spaces, and take meaningful action for the environment.
It was a proud moment not just for the LtL team, but for the schools and children who brought it to life. Watching young people take ownership of their spaces — planting trees, creating wildflower areas, and learning about climate solutions — is rewarding for everyone involved.
We’re also proud to continue our role in the Department for Education’s National Education Nature Park, to which over 1 in 8 schools and early years settings in England have now signed up. We’ve loved watching the fantastic interactive map grow and are delighted that the new government has committed to continuing its support for this project.
Looking forward to the future
As we look ahead to 2025, the world is asking big questions about education, climate, and the future we want to build. I know LtL has a key role to play in supporting teachers, empowering young people, and ensuring every child can enjoy the benefits of connecting with the natural world.
To all of our partners, funders, educators, and supporters: thank you for walking this journey with us. This year has reminded me once again of the power of collective action, the creativity of young people, and the hope we find in nature.
A final thought
So, why did that silly moment in the snowy woods have such an impact on me? It made me realise two things:
- The team you build and the people you work with are everything and LtL have some of the best; and
- Sometimes, we can only do so much. The magic really happens when we step back and let Mother Nature show us what she can do.
Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season with a sprinkling of unadulterated joy and silliness!
We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for Learning through Landscapes! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news on outdoor learning and play, and we’ll see you next year!
