Post on 26-Dec-2015
Outdoor Learning PractitionerOutcome 4: Understand the learning opportunities available in
the outdoors
AC 4.3 Identify areas that could be used for outdoor learning
A blank canvass?
Let the grass grow!
• Likely to be a diversity of plants present
• Incorporate development of your site into the curriculum
• Stop the contractors from mowing it off
Create interest at your site or nearby
Encourage biodiversity
Create habitat
Vegetable gardens
Bed systems use space more efficientlyResulting in less soil compaction (clay soils)Allow crop to cover ground and reduce weeds
Crops can be covered with plastic in spring / autumn to extend cropping periodCrops can be protected with fleece
OrchardsFruit trees do not need lots of space. Cordons, espalier and varieties on dwarfing rootstocks can be kept very small and manageable
Consider varieties that have historical interest
Meadows
Establishing florally rich meadows can be difficult.Reducing the fertility of the soil is key to success
Start by letting the grass grow long
Establishment of meadows depends upon mimicking agricultural regimes eg. Spring or summer hay meadows
Ponds
Water is an essential part of a wildlife friendly garden.
Ponds do not have to be deep or even hold water all year round.
Plant trees and shrubs
• Choose native species wherever possible
• Consider planting mini orchards or small groups of fruit trees
• Choose things which will be useful at Forest School
• Plan the management of these new arrivals!
Adventure & PlayEarth Air Fire Water
Low Maintenance
Use your resource sustainably • Prune for renewal• Coppice broad leaved trees• Allow the site to recover• Make cost / benefits
decisions• If more than one group
uses the area, keep communicating!
Enjoy it!