School grounds

We would like children to have the best opportunities to discover the wonder of the outdoors and to encourage their innate curiosity about the natural world. School grounds can play an important role as children explore the world around them.

Early experiences like these help our children value the outdoors both in their neighbourhoods and, in time, in the wilder world of Scotland's nature and landscapes.

School grounds are also an important aspect of the Eco Schools  programme.

Sharing Good Practice

Our 'School Grounds - designing for nature, health, learning and play' event was held on 14th November at Thornlee Primary School. To find out about how it went and view presentations from the contributors, visit our Sharing Good Practice page.

Grounds for learning

Grounds for Learning (GfL)  is the Scottish school grounds charity, supported by SNH and others, which helps schools develop and use exciting outdoor spaces for play, learning, health and well-being.

They have: free lending resource boxes; a free newsletter; advisors who can give you guidance on outdoor spaces; accredited CPD training for teachers; an annual event and Membership, offering support and access to a online resource library.

Resources for school grounds

The Garden for Life Forum has a series of free downloadable leaflets which give advice about plants to attract wildlife and wildlife gardening tips:  Garden for Life, Garden for butterflies, Garden for birds, Garden for life in pots and containers, Garden for Food, Garden for Orchards , Garden without peat publication .

Find your nearest School Grounds Resource Boxes  and if you have any information that should be updated, please e-mail resources@snh.gov.uk

The Wee Green School Pack is a practical guide to what can be achieved in a small space, with minimum resources and a bit of imagination. If you need a printed copy or CD-ROM contact: Grounds for Learning.   

Funding school grounds

SNH no longer funds school grounds developments. This funding is now passed directly from the Scottish Government to your Local Authority and should therefore still be available to you.

Eco-schools also have information on alternative sources of support:

• Funding and support for school grounds 
• Funding and support for biodiversity