Scotland’s new outdoor learning law offers the kind of real‑world connection young people need – the UK Government should follow suit

James Blake – Chief Executive, YHA (England & Wales)

In December 2025, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation guaranteeing every child the opportunity to take part in a residential outdoor education experience during their school years. This was a landmark moment for education policy — and one the rest of the UK should not ignore.

The Act treats outdoor learning — and in particular time spent away from home on residential trips — not as an optional extra, but as a core part of a child’s education. In practical terms, if properly resourced and funded, this means that children in Scotland will have the chance to spend at least four nights and five days learning outdoors, building confidence, independence and connection in ways the classroom alone cannot provide.

Politicians in Westminster must now show the same ambition.

The Scottish legislation confirms something which many of us who work with young people have long understood — outdoor experiences and residential stays are an essential part of a rounded education. Time spent outdoors supports children’s mental and physical health, strengthens relationships and often helps young people re-engage with learning in ways that the classroom alone sometimes cannot. These benefits are well evidenced and widely recognised.

One of the immediate benefits of residentials is time away from screens. While putting phones down can be difficult at first — the FOMO is real — we know that outdoor education can reduce reliance on phones and introduce balance. As the issue of young people and social media hits media and political debates, and the government launches a consultation on the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people, it’s important to recognise the benefits of time out in nature. Being outdoors and doing activities does wonders for wellbeing. It increases confidence, connection and sense of belonging. That’s vital given researchers saythe strain on children’s mental health is ‘unprecedented’.

However, access to outdoor residential experiences remains deeply unequal. Too often, opportunity is shaped by where a child lives and how much their family earns. Over half of disadvantaged families are unable to afford trips and outings. For many young people, a school residential is their first time away from home and their first experience of the countryside. It should not be the case that, for some children, the chance to explore and learn outdoors remains out of reach. In a digital age, when many young people feel disconnected from each other and the world around them, these experiences matter more than ever.

Programmes like Generation Green have shown what is possible when access is supported by the government. Funded by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and delivered by Access Unlimited — a coalition of not-for-profit youth organisations, residential providers, and protected landscape organisations such as National Parks — Generation Green connected more than 125,000 young people, from socially disadvantaged areas in England, with nature through structured programmes, residentials, visits, and trips.

Young people told us the experience helped their mental health, helped them to build friendships, and changed how they see themselves. Teachers reported that children returned to the classroom calmer, more confident and more engaged. Independent evaluation confirmed this and showed clear improvements in child wellbeing.

The challenge is ensuring consistent and fair opportunities across the country. Without a statutory commitment to outdoor learning, opportunities remain concentrated among those with the greatest resources, and provision becomes vulnerable to funding pressures.  With Generation Green funding now ended, there is a real risk of the access gap widening further.

Scotland’s new law offers a clear alternative and it is positive to see some MPs in Westminster supporting a similar law for England.By embedding residential outdoor education in legislation, it provides certainty, fairness and long-term stability. Teachers and school leaders are empowered, provision is protected, and every child benefits. Alongside this, the Government should ensure schools have the necessary funding to deliver outdoor education including ensuring programmes like Generation Green are re-established to ensure every child has an opportunity to switch off from social media and interact with the natural world.

Westminster now has the chance to show the same leadership. As curriculum and enrichment frameworks are reformed and guidance on smartphones and social media is reviewed, policymakers should use this opportunity to embed nature into every child’s education, guaranteeing access to high-quality outdoor learning, including residential experiences at primary and secondary level.

Outdoor education should be a right for every child, not a privilege.

ENDS.