In this essential episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma are joined by FSA Directors Sarah Collins and Sarah Lawfull to explore the Nature Premium campaign—an urgent and inspiring movement advocating for ring-fenced funding for nature-based experiences in all UK schools and nurseries. They unpack the origins of the campaign, why it emerged during lockdown, and what impact it could have on equity, wellbeing, education, and climate-consciousness. From the sharp contrast between urban and rural access to green space, to the long-term physical, emotional, and societal benefits of regular nature connection, this episode captures a pivotal moment in outdoor education. Whether you're a practitioner, parent, or policymaker, it's a rallying cry to advocate for every child, every week, in nature.

⏱ Chapter Timings:

00:00 – Meeting the Sarahs: backgrounds in biology, education, and outdoor leadership

04:41 – What is the Nature Premium and why is it needed?

07:32 – The lockdown inequality gap and who nature is really for

09:06 – Why school grounds matter and ring-fenced funding makes the difference

14:40 – Mental health, obesity, and the measurable economic case for nature

20:52 – Nature Premium as long-term support for children, the NHS, and future curricula

27:40 – Equity, representation, and children learning to be outside

34:04 – Lobbying MPs and how volunteers are driving real change

43:36 – Early years: lost ground, nervous practitioners, and why we need action now

55:30 – From frogs to fear: what nature connection really looks like for families

🌲 Keywords: Nature Premium campaign, Forest School Association, outdoor equity, green space access, early years education, outdoor learning funding, mental health in children, physical wellbeing, school grounds, policy change, nature-based CPD, Forest School politics, FSA advocacy, environmental connection, climate education

🔖 Hashtags:

#NaturePremium #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #NatureForAll #GreenRecovery #ChildrensRights #PlayBasedLearning #EducationReform #NatureEquity #PolicyChange #EveryChildEveryWeek #ForestSchoolPodcast

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