How can you make nature walks more interesting for students?

10 March, 2023

Nature walking has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Physically, walking through nature can help to reduce stress, improve balance, strengthen your heart and lungs, and increase your overall fitness. Mentally, nature walks can help to reduce anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function and concentration, and help to foster creativity and a positive outlook on life.

Walking in nature also has environmental benefits, such as reducing your time in air pollution.

Finally, nature walks can provide an opportunity for socialising, connection, and relaxation.

How do you make nature walks more interesting for students?

1. Start by discussing why preserving nature is important. Explain that every living thing in nature is connected and how human activities can have a negative impact on the environment.

2. Bring along a field guide to help identify the different plants, animals, and insects you may encounter. Or book a camp through Beyond the Classroom. We have a lot of pride in our programs and only use new, well maintained equipment and expert facilitators.

3. Look for signs of wildlife. This could be bird droppings, animal tracks, or even a nest.

4. Stop and listen! Bringing a pair of binoculars can help to enhance your experience. Listen to the sounds of the forest and see if you can recognise the different calls of birds or other animals.

5. Take photos. This is a great way to document your experience and you can share your photos with friends or family afterward.

6. Have a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items you want to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or feathers.

7. Make craft. Collect items from nature and create something from them. This could be a rock painting or a flower crown.

8. Play a game. Choose a game that can be adapted to the outdoors, such as hide and seek, tag, or nature bingo.