Author: Clare Whitelegg, Schools Outreach Project Officer
In 2015, thanks to generous funding from ALDI, the RSPB launched a programme of free outreach to primary schools across the UK.
I’m Clare, the Schools Outreach Project Officer for Norwich and the Broads. Since starting last September, I have worked with hundreds of children, helping them to explore the great outdoors and discover nature.
It’s truly a privilege to be working in such a meaningful role. Our aim is to get children into the outdoors to connect with nature. We deliver outdoor learning sessions free in schools and we want to offer this experience to as many children in the country as we possibly can. Our school visits help children discover what is right on their doorstep, whether it be newts hiding under a log or watching blackbirds in their playground.
Seeing children discover something new for the first time or be amazed by the wonders of nature in the middle of a school day is the best job satisfaction I could ever imagine. It’s also great fun. The children LOVE the visits, their comments include:
‘Thank you for the visit and for teaching us about nature, I enjoyed finding stuff about nature’
and my personal favourite:
'EXCUSE ME! THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY FUN!’
We’re proving so popular that we need help to reach more schools so we are now looking for volunteers to help us deliver the sessions. If you are interested in inspiring children about the natural world and you can spare a day a fortnight we would love to hear from you. Full training is provided and we will support you all the way.
For more information or to get involved, contact me at: clare.whitelegg@rspb.org.uk