LEAF Beyond the Schools: Lessons from our FEE HO Summer Outing
If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you know that summer is (finally) here.
The Foundation for Environmental Education Head Office team enjoying this year's Summer Outing.
Under the sun, surrounded by colourful flowers, buzzing bees, and fresh vegetables, the FEE Head Office team gathered for our annual summer outing. More than simply enjoying each other's company, we came together in true LEAF spirit: to learn from a local initiative that is creating positive environmental impact within its community.
Our destination was Øens Have, an urban farm located in Copenhagen's Refshaleøen district. Today, it is a thriving green space and learning hub, but its history tells a different story. The area was once heavily impacted by industrial activity, leaving the soil contaminated with metals and other waste materials.
Through years of dedication and the application of permaculture principles, Øens Have has helped transform the site. Crop rotation, organic fertilisers, permanent flower beds, and diverse plant species have contributed to soil restoration while creating habitats for bees, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. These practices not only support biodiversity but also improve the overall health and resilience of the local ecosystem.
Beyond its environmental work, Øens Have plays an active role in community engagement. The garden regularly hosts volunteer days, school visits, and community-supported agriculture initiatives, helping connect people with nature and sustainable food systems.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to learn about the garden's history, challenges, and successes. We harvested fresh ingredients directly from the farm and shared a delicious seasonal meal prepared with care and local produce.
The experience served as a powerful reminder that LEAF is not limited to schools or formal learning environments. Meaningful outdoor learning can happen anywhere, and everyone has a role to play in creating positive change.
“Sometimes, the best lessons grow right beneath our feet. “
#GenerationRestoration Schools in Action: United States
How Eco-Schools and LEAF Inspired a Restoration Journey
"If we want more species to live at Carver, we have to plant more native plants."
At Dr. G.W. Carver Upper Elementary School in Georgia, USA, a journey that began through the Eco-Schools and LEAF (Learning About Forests) programmes has evolved into a powerful example of #GenerationRestoration Schools in action.
As part of their Eco-Schools Green Flag work, students began documenting biodiversity across their 50-acre campus. Equipped with field journals and iPads, they explored forests, wetlands within their school grounds, recording more than 200 species in a single year.
Their findings inspired the creation of the Seeds of Stewardship, a student-led restoration initiative built around two core goals: connecting children with nature and increasing biodiversity on campus.
Embedded into the regular school day, the initiative ensures that every student, regardless of background, can participate in authentic environmental science and stewardship. Through habitat restoration, native seed collection, invasive species removal, wildlife monitoring, and biodiversity surveys, more than 680 students are actively contributing to ecosystem restoration on their school grounds.
By restoring native habitats and creating space for more species to thrive, the students are bringing the goals of #GenerationRestoration Schools to life. It is also a powerful example of how FEE programmes can complement one another, inspiring schools to adopt outdoor, hands-on learning approaches that not only deepen students' connection with nature but also create tangible benefits for local ecosystems.
As part of the #GenerationRestoration Schools movement, this project highlights how schools can empower young people to move beyond learning about environmental challenges and become active participants in restoring nature.
Is your school helping restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, or inspire environmental action?
Join a growing global community of schools taking meaningful action for healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities, and a sustainable future.