The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Many of us will remember a school residential that made an impact on us and that created unforgettable memories; the friendships we made, the act of bravery on an activity, and seeing a new side to our teachers in a new environment. The list of the benefits of outdoor education is extensive and has recently been recognised by the government as being a valuable part of young peoples’ learning.

Talking about the Outdoor Education Bill which was passed in December 2025, MSP Liz Smith said that “Residential outdoor education is rewarding and crucial to fostering confidence, resilience and team-building skills” (BBC News, 2025)

 

So, what are some of the benefits?

For pupils:

• Improves health and wellbeing
• Engages pupils in the learning process
• Helps pupils to develop personal competencies
• Fosters a connection with nature
• Develops leadership skills
• Develops communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills

For teachers:

• Provides a positive impact on teaching
• Health and wellbeing
• Provides professional development
• Improves job satisfaction
• Benefits teaching performance

(Institute for Outdoor Learning, High Quality Outdoor Learning, 2025)

At Scripture Union Scotland we are dedicated to providing high quality outdoor experiences which build confidence, resilience, independence and new skills as well as strengthening relationships and social skills. Outdoor learning is a huge part of what we do at Gowanbank through our outdoor activities and sports. We have seen first hand how children and young people are impacted by learning in an outdoor environment, away from the classroom and the increase in engagement which is often noted by school teachers and staff.

“[The highlight of our time at Gowanbank was seeing] pupils’ enjoyment and engagement. This group sometimes struggle to engage in school with more ‘traditional’ learning.” – Kilwinning Academy

School residentials at Gowanbank offer a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment to all pupils and staff. The activity programmes are tailored to the needs of each school group and our experienced instructors will help guide each pupil through hands-on activities such as bushcraft, tree climbing, team challenges, water sports and mountain biking. Our programmes offer schools the chance to bring education and learning to the outdoors where pupils can push outside of their comfort zones and grow in confidence in what they can do.

“I just thought to myself, I can do this. I can do this. And then I did it!” – Lennoxtown Primary School Pupil

The benefits of outdoor learning aren’t confined to the residential experience, but go with the children and young people into the classroom, home life and eventually the workplace. At Gowanbank we see time and time again the joy from teachers as they see the young people they teach developing a new skill, breaking out of their comfort zones and growing in confidence in learning and in friendships.

“Celebrating that success with them and seeing them mature, grow, grow as a team and just become the kind of young adults that are ready to go on for their next educational journey …” – Lennoxtown Primary School teacher

Through outdoor learning, we don’t only see educational and practical skill based benefits, but improvements in mental health and wellbeing, social skills and resilience, too. A break from routine, being in a new environment outdoors and in nature can have a significant impact on the mental health and overall wellbeing of children and young people.

“Spending just 20 minutes outdoors can lead to a reduction in feelings of stress and anger. Nature provides a calming effect and promotes emotional regulation.”(UK Youth, February 2024).”

As well as all these benefits, our programmes compliment what is being taught and learnt in the classroom as our activities meet the Curriculum for Excellence and strive to provide exceptional programmes with high-quality activities. In addition to this, we also offer the National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA) to all primary school residentials where pupils reflect on themselves, others and the environment as well as The John Muir Wild Places Award as part of a week long residential where children learn more about wild spaces, developing their awareness of nature and encouraging creativity, new skills and overall wellbeing.

“Seeing us away from the classroom is something which does both pupils and teachers a world of good”

The benefits of outdoor learning are clear to see, and you don’t have to venture to far reaching places to experience outdoor learning, we have everything you need here at our outdoor activity centre in Darvel, East Ayrshire for an enriching, unforgettable outdoor learning experience. Our programmes are created to inspire children and young people to see what they can do for themselves, others and the world around them.

If you know of a school, youth group or community group who could benefit from impactful learning in a welcoming outdoor space where children and young people (and adults!) can develop skills, build friendships and grow confidence in their ability, get in touch to hear about our range of activities and what we can offer to your group!

For school residentials, visit our dedicated schools website: classroomoutdoors.org.uk/gowanbank