Since our formation in 2001 we have forged links with fifteen partner organisations and worked with over 50 schools and groups to deliver earth education programmes both residentially and within the community. In addition we have provided training and development for over 300 people.

Much of our work is done using the tried and tested earth education approach particularly the use of programmes such as Sunship Earth and Earthkeepers, run either in school with Year 5 and 6 pupils or residentially on adventures of discovery at locations such as Ridley Hall in Northumberland or High Borrans in Cumbria. In all cases the children take the action back home and into school to complete their training.

Development assistance and partnership working

NEST also provides training and advice to develop outdoor learning and environmental education in general and can help schools, educational establishments, country parks and other providers to deliver earth education through their organisation, using and developing existing resources. We can also give advice on building an earth education programme tailored to your site and needs. Contact us for more details. We encourage volunteers and other professionals to share our work, learning and giving something back at the same time.

We would welcome enquiries from organisations to discuss our programmes and to develop initiatives together. Our work may well be of use to your strategic, practical and curriculum aims and help to serve your community of interest.

High quality standards and working practices

Our professional, qualified directors and members have been involved with earth education for many years and came together to run and promote the approach. We number teachers, environmental consultants/managers, ecological interpreters, and community and site based rangers amongst our team. Of course our delivery staff are fully trained to deliver the programmes and our policies and practices cover CRB checks and child and vulnerable adult protection policies. We are first aid qualified and fully risk assess our projects each time. We are fully insured for public liability. We are committed to continuing professional development and, as an example, staff have recently qualified in areas such as bushcraft and forest schools.