Tim Farron launches outdoor education campaign in Westminster

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron joined outdoor education leaders to host an event in Westminster last week to encourage MPs from all parties to sign up to the campaign to make outdoor residential experiences accessible to all young people.

The event was supported by representatives from the outdoor sector, including the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) and UK Youth. Young outdoor ambassadors for ‘Adventures Away from Home’ also met with the MPs.

27 MPs signed up on the day to support the campaign from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, and the Independents. 

Recently, Tim put forward an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which called for a review into the benefits of outdoor education to children's wellbeing.

Later this month Tim will be meeting with the Education Minister Stephen Morgan to discuss how to give more young people outdoor education experiences.

Tim Farron said: “In Cumbria we are incredibly lucky to have so many brilliant outdoor activity centres which can provide life-changing experiences – helping to build resilience, improve confidence and create friendships and memories which last a lifetime.

“It was fantastic to see lots of cross-party support for our campaign to give every young person an outdoor education experience.

“This is something I really want the government to pick up and run with.”

Tim Taylor, Patterdale Hall Director and AHOEC Northern Regional Chair, said: “We would like all MPs to have an understanding of the power and potential of high quality outdoor learning to improve the wellbeing and mental health of young people. 

“Outdoor Leaning is an excellent tool to help develop key characters such a resilience, determination and independence in young people. Outdoor learning is best when woven through an young person’s schooling, but it is also understood that a residential outdoor learning visit can be worth a term’s work in the classroom of developing those key characters and social skills. 

“Outdoor learning helps young people get to know themselves, their peer group but also build stronger relationships with teachers and school adults which translates to better classroom engagement and ultimately improved outcomes for young people.

“Thank you to Tim Farron for championing this with the Government to formally recognise the value of outdoor learning and help to make sure these amazing opportunities be a right for all, not just the privileged few.”