1. Outdoor Learning Practitioner Outcome 4: Understand the learning opportunities available in the outdoors AC 4.3 Identify areas that could be used for outdoor learning

2. A blank canvass?

3. Let the grass grow! Likely to be a diversity of plants present Incorporate development of your site into the curriculum Stop the contractors from mowing it off

4. Create interest at your site or nearby

5. Encourage biodiversity

6. Create habitat

7. Vegetable gardens  Bed systems use space more efficiently  Resulting in less soil compaction (clay soils)  Allow crop to cover ground and reduce weeds  Crops can be covered with plastic in spring / autumn to extend cropping period  Crops can be protected with fleece

8. Orchards Fruit trees do not need lots of space. Cordons, espalier and varieties on dwarfing rootstocks can be kept very small and manageable Consider varieties that have historical interest

9. Meadows Establishing florally rich meadows can be difficult. Reducing the fertility of the soil is key to success Start by letting the grass grow long Establishment of meadows depends upon mimicking agricultural regimes eg. Spring or summer hay meadows

10. Ponds Water is an essential part of a wildlife friendly garden. Ponds do not have to be deep or even hold water all year round.

11. Plant trees and shrubs Choose native species wherever possible Consider planting mini orchards or small groups of fruit trees Choose things which will be useful at Forest School Plan the management of these new arrivals!

12. Adventure & Play Earth AirFireWater

13. Low Maintenance

14. Use your resource sustainably Prune for renewal Coppice broad leaved trees Allow the site to recover Make cost / benefits decisions If more than one group uses the area, keep communicating!

15. Enjoy it!