MP presents bill to give outdoor education experience for all children

This afternoon in the House of Commons, South Lakes MP Tim Farron presented a Private Members’ Bill to make residential outdoor learning part of the school curriculum.

The bill was inspired after Tim visited the Outward Bound Trust in Ullswater.

Before Christmas, Tim and the Outward Bound Trust held an event in Parliament to drum up support for the bill amongst MPs and Peers, and also to promote the positive effect outdoor learning can have on young people.

Tim, who is also the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Outdoor Learning, said: “Our local outdoor education centres - whether it’s the Outward Bound at Ullswater, the Bendrigg Trust at Old Hutton, the Brathay Trust near Ambleside, or Patterdale Hall at Glenridding – do a phenomenal job in giving young people experiences which have incredible benefits to their mental health and confidence, and also create memories and friendships which last a lifetime.

“But outdoor education should not just be for the lucky or the privileged. It should be an experience that is available to every young person from every school in our country.

“That’s why I’m proud to be championing this bill which I hope the Government will get behind.”