Wilder Schools

There are so many proven benefits to learning outdoors and connecting with nature including improved mental and physical health, wellbeing, engagement, academic attainment, behaviour, attitudes to learning, cognitive skills, resilience, self-esteem, social skills, personal development and pro environmental behaviours.

We all know that children and young people learn best when they are happy and healthy therefore if learning in and through nature helps improve happiness and good health improved attainment will follow. Outdoor learning should not be seen as a separate subject but a way of teaching that can enrich the delivery of your curriculum and lead to deepened understanding and mastery. Through learning about and in natural spaces local to them children and young people will develop a stronger understanding of the world and their place in it.

To apply to become a Wilder School, email your application to education.centres@surreywt.org.uk and include the following information:

1. Confirmation that the school leadership team understand the commitments of and agree to the programme
2. Why your school would like to join (max 500 words). 
3. Photograph(s) of your school grounds and let us know which year group you would like us to work with (KS2 up)

If you are interested in joining our next cohort commencing September 2025, please submit an application between January - March 2025 (the closing date for applications is yet to be announced but is expected to be 31st March 2025).

Interested in joining the programme but would like more information first? Please send any enquiries to education.centres@surreywt.org.uk.

View full programme details

The Wilder Schools programme delivery from Surrey Wildlife Trust is free, but there are some additional costs as part of the programme.

Additional costs will need to be covered by the school and include a visit to our Nower Wood Ancient Woodland Reserve and Educational Centre along with any teacher training required, which will be agreed on with the school based on their needs.

The following documents are for the current academic year's programme, which are subject to review and amendment. They give an outline to what you can expect as a Wilder School.