Interviews with UK primary school teachers about outdoor learning

This study focused on the perceptions and experiences of UK primary school teachers who participated in Generation Wild, a nature connection programme targeted at schools with high levels of economic disadvantage (Generation Wild — Creating lasting and meaningful connections with nature through storytelling and adventure). The study was designed to explore teachers’ perceptions and experiences of the nature connection programme.<br>The study sought to address the following research questions:<br>1. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of how children benefit from time in nature?2. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of how disadvantage affects children’s access to nature?3. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of how outdoor teaching can help address inequalities in access to nature?4. What are the barriers to outdoor teaching experienced by UK primary school teachers?<br>Interviews were conducted in 2022 with 25 UK primary school teachers who participated in Generation Wild, using a semi-structured interview guide.<br>All the participants taught in state primary schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a relatively high proportion of children eligible for free school meals. Three-quarters (75%) of the teachers identified as female, and 12.5% as belonging to a minority ethnic group. They ranged from newly qualified teachers to staff approaching retirement with over 30 years of experience.