This reflection article is based on a blog post by Nicola Davidson the National Operator of the LEAF programme in Scotland. The article highlights the first six months of the LEAF pilot in Scotland. The original article was published by Keep Scotland Beautiful on 29/08/2023 and can be accessed here.
In January 2023, Keep Scotland Beautiful launched the LEAF programme as a six-month pilot initiative as part of their "Climate Action Schools" framework. " Nicola Davidson, Education and Learning Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful has taken up the role of LEAF National Operator and has been key to the successful establishment of the programme. Nicola firmly believes in the restorative power of connection to nature for one’s mental and physical well-being. As Nicola states:
“Having struggled with mental health in the past, I know how important a connection to nature is for our mental and physical well-being. I wanted to give more children and young people the opportunity to find out those benefits for themselves, and hopefully gain a respect for nature that will encourage them to protect and restore it.”
For the LEAF Pilot phase, 55 schools and nurseries across 21 local authorities eagerly incorporated the programme into their daily activities. Students and teachers alike embraced the programme with enthusiasm and creativity. During the initial six months, schools and nurseries have gotten to know their nature on their doorsteps and have taken steps to look after it, often in collaboration with their local communities. Students have successfully advocated for the cessation of harmful weedkillers on their school grounds. They have embraced nature's wonders by consuming nettles and making dandelion bread. Planted native flora and constructed shelters for wildlife. Additionally, moments of simple contemplation, such as gazing at clouds, flowers, and trees, opened a world of learning that transcended the confines of the classroom.
According to Nicola, teachers who have taken part in the LEAF programme have reported numerous benefits. Students have developed a deeper connection with nature. This newfound appreciation for the natural world has translated into tangible improvements in academic performance, especially among students who had previously struggled with traditional classroom-based learning. Moreover, teachers found themselves empowered to expand outdoor learning opportunities within their schools, ultimately enhancing both their own well-being and that of their students.
Reversible wooden disc letters and numbers - LEAF Schools
What makes LEAF special, as Nicola points out, is its structured yet flexible approach. The programme provides a framework for schools to expand outdoor learning while allowing for adaptation to specific needs. Crucially, LEAF activities can be easily integrated into the school day. It is quality of time, not quantity that is important. Nicola explains:
"LEAF is not another thing for already overstretched educators to squeeze into busy days, but an opportunity to do things in a different way, with benefits for pupils, educators and local communities.”
LEAF fosters environmental responsibility and a sense of connection to nature, which is crucial for tackling current global and local environmental challenges. As Nicola emphasizes:
"I am feeling hopeful for the future of the incredible nature we have in Scotland. It is time to learn that people are a part of nature, not separate from it, and we are all in need of a connection to the natural world. Why not try spending five minutes today taking in the natural world with all your senses and see if you can feel the benefits our LEAF schools are seeing for yourself?”
Following the successful pilot phase, the LEAF programme in Scotland is now ready to reach more schools and become an annual programme following the school year. If you would like to find out more about the LEAF programme in Scotland and how you can get involved, please visit Keep Scotland Beautiful’s website here.