Teach Secondary Issue 14.8

when schools receive sufficient support, but these projects alone can’t close the gap. At ZSL, we see the difference nature makes every day. Our expert educators deliver practical conservation at the charity’s London andWhipsnade Zoos, as well as through our educational outreach activity that provides resources and teacher training for embedding nature-based learning across the curriculum. Through our Education Access Scheme (see tinyurl. com/ts148-NA3), we ensure that students fromurban, rural or underserved areas can experience the wonders of wildlife – often for the first time. These experiences help to build curiosity, empathy and confidence, and open young minds to new career pathways in science, conservation and sustainability. Towards a fairer future At the same time, however, every child across England deserves to access to those same opportunities – but to make that a reality, we will first need to see some system-wide changes be enacted by the government. We know that schools care about giving their students access to such opportunities. We also know that they face real and ever-pressing challenges – from competing curriculum demands and limited time to, inmany cases, a complete lack of suitable outdoor space. These barriers often aren’t down to schools or teachers, but rather the direct result of a system in which not enough has been invested in nature. ZSL is therefore calling on the government to back the introduction of ring-fenced funding for nature-related school activities, professional training and support in accessing natural spaces. Teachers are already passionate about wanting to address these issues – the government just needs to make it happen. If young people continue to grow up disconnected from nature, then their wellbeing and our planet’s very future will both be put at risk. That’s the core motivation, above all others, behind our calls for statutory access to nature in every school. Because nature isn’t a luxury; it’s a right. With proper investment and appropriate levels of government support, secondary schools can, and will help to close the nature gap – thus creating healthier and happier young people today, and a generation that’s ready and willing to stand up and protect the natural world tomorrow. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cat Hickey is head of conservation education at the Zoological Society of London; dedicated to widening participation, Cat works to break down barriers for under-represented groups pursuing careers in conservation, and champions access to nature as a statutory right for all students. To find out more and sign the petition, visit zsl.org/NatureAccess TEACH SECONDARY SPECIAL OUTDOOR LEARNING 31 teachwire.net/secondary O U T D O O R L E A R N I N G