SEDA LAND Green Drinks

Better Outdoors

Free admission

In person 5-8pm, online 5:30-7:30pm

Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

Light refreshments available

Forest schools and outdoor nurseries are becoming more prevalent in Scotland and their benefits are well-known, so why are they not being systematically rolled out or integrated into the Scottish education system?  

Join us for a conversation covering the benefits of outdoor learning, both at primary and secondary level, and how local authorities and the Scottish government can be persuaded to recognise the part it could play in a more enlightened curriculum. 

Outdoor learning is not limited to rural schools. We will explain how, with a little imagination, it can be done in a tarmacked playground.

This will be an informal discussion with leading UK educationalists and practitioners – including nursery school managers and rangers.

ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTION

Dr Alexia Barrable, senior lecturer in education, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Alexia is a lecturer in the Psychology, Sociology, and Education Division at Queen Margaret University . Her research focuses on human-nature interactions, particularly in educational settings, exploring how different experiences and pedagogical approaches can promote or hinder nature connection in children. She is also interested in the promotion of mental health and well-being across the lifespan through interactions with the natural world. Beyond academia, Alexia has delivered many talks for lay audiences, including a TEDx presentation. Her dedication to bridging research and practice underscores her commitment to fostering meaningful connections between individuals and the natural environment. Outdoor Learning Hub.

Davina Bowers, head, the Forest Nursery and Junior School at Merchiston Castle School

A qualified Forest School leader, Davina is a strong advocate for the Forest principles - delivering outstanding teaching, supporting holistic development and encouraging child-centred learning to nurture the very best out of young people.

Louise Licznerski, founder, Little Bugs Nursery, Fife

Louise is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning following a career in retail management. Her transition into education and her experiences teaching in primary and early years settings provide her with valuable insights into the benefits of outdoor learning, particularly for children with additional needs. She founded Little Bugs in 2021, an outdoor nursery that also provides after-school care and flexi school sessions. Louise also encourages new practitioners to incorporate nature-based activities into their teaching through training events and initiatives like Practitioner Fest.

Carol Murdoch, founder, Love Outdoor Learning

Carol is the founder of Love Outdoor Learning, supporting schools across the UK to embed meaningful, curriculum-linked outdoor learning. A former primary teacher and university lecturer, she specialises in practical, low-prep approaches that build meta-skills, resilience and inclusion. Carol is passionate about making outdoor learning accessible in every setting, from woodland to tarmac playground.

Jo Cooke, ranger, Midlothian Council

Jo is Senior Countryside Ranger at Midlothian Council, based at Vogrie Country Park. The Ranger Service manage countryside sites across the county, including, Vogrie Country Park, Roslin Glen Country Park, Gore Glen Woodland Park, Springfield Mill Nature Reserve, Straiton Pond Local Nature Reserve and two disused railway lines from Penicuik to Dalkeith and Loanhead to Roslin. They manage them for the benefit of people and nature.

Gail Halvorsen, Halvorsen Architects & chair SEDA Land

After working for Michael Hopkins and Partners in London Gail established Halvorsen Architects in 1994. She moved to Edinburgh in 1999, where she specialises in ecological design for residential and nursery school buildings. Gail was chair of ECAN (Edinburgh Chartered Architects Network) from 2001-2 and on the board of Gorebridge Community Development Trust for 10 years, being chair from 2014-16, where she project managed the £2.5m community centre, Gorebridge Beacon. She was a Civic Trust Award assessor 1997–2011. Gail is a director of the SEDA and organised the A New Vision for Land Use in Scotland: Six Conversations in Spring 2021 after which she founded SEDA Land to look at issues facing rural Scotland in a cross-sectoral way.

Rob Heasman, Beeslack High School, Midlothian

Bio