Nature Education Advocates Push for 'Greenlightenment' in Schools

3:12 AM ETDeveloping

Science Desk

In Short: Naturalist Steve Backshall and Sir Tim Smit have called for increased nature education in schools, as the UK government considers a new natural history GCSE.

Naturalist Steve Backshall and Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, have advocated for more 'greenlightenment' to integrate nature education into school curriculums, according to BBC reports.

The call comes as the government is consulting on a new natural history GCSE, which Backshall describes as a 'seismic moment for British education,' emphasizing the importance of a deep understanding of the natural world for future generations.

A survey by Heligan found that many children lack basic nature experiences, with 61% never having collected a conker or camped in a tent, and 55% having never climbed a tree.

The proposed GCSE, if implemented, aims to equip young people with valuable skills and potentially reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training, according to government statements.

Backshall and Smit argue that engaging with nature can lead to happier, healthier young people and better prepared to address environmental challenges, while Smit emphasizes the responsibility to equip the next generation with tools to protect nature.

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The research also found 34% of children they asked said they would definitely choose the proposed natural history GCSE if their school offered it, with another 41% saying they probably would.
Backshall, who hosted the Wild Heligan experience to excite young people about wildlife, said: "I see every day how nature revitalises, restores and fills people with joy." A survey by Heligan of 1,004 parent and child groups across England found 55% of children had never climbed a tree.

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