As another year comes to a close we are reflecting on the highs and lows, and there have been some tough lows. But let’s start with the highs.
One of the most surprising, though encouraging, things this year has been seeing outdoor learning conversations reach educators across six continents, in more than 63 countries. (Antarctica – one day!) I have always said learning is learning, no matter where you are. And in a world that feels conflicted, it is a beautiful reminder that many of us are working towards the same goal: helping children learn, play and belong outdoors.
We have supported tens of thousands of children to get outside this year, bringing a little magic to their learning. It is a real privilege. At a time when many children are struggling with anxiety, confidence, connection and wellbeing, it has felt more important than ever to help create opportunities for wonder, belonging and joy outdoors.
Our membership has grown from strength to strength, not just with resources and schools and nurseries, but wider education services throughout the UK and beyond (our latest international setting is in Middle East). What has been most exciting is not the growth itself, but the generosity within the community. Members continue to share ideas, support one another and champion outdoor learning in their own settings. We even had Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania come over for the week to work with us.
We have been in and trained phenomenal schools from the Highlands of Scotland all the way down to Bristol. And that’s not all we have done in England. We joined the Institute of Outdoor Learning’s Accessible Outdoor Learning National Committee, spoke on stages throughout the UK and even on the main stage at the International Child Care Expo. (oh and we are deep into planning the iOL’s Scottish conference).
We have been writing – so much writing. We published our most recent book, The Where of Outdoor Learning. In addition to this we have been writing our regular columns and features in teaching magazines and even Horizons, the Institute of Outdoor Learning’s magazine. Alongside that we have continued creating resources, training materials and membership content to support practitioners in bringing meaningful outdoor learning to children. Sharing ideas and practical approaches that make outdoor learning more accessible has always been at the heart of what we do.
And then there’s our podcast. We have had so many amazing guests this year – people I truly admire – and so many of you listen in to hear from them too. Mind-blowingly, many of you may have seen us on Channel 5 as well!
All that work has been recognised, by the many of you who email but also by Theo Paphitis, who Carol met in recognition of her work and who presented her with recognition. We also won the SME New Business Elite Awards 2026, Best Outdoor Learning Education Consultancy, which was a huge accomplishment.
One of the real highlights though has been you. I know, total cheese, but it is true. Many of you have become friends. It has been phenomenal to see how schools, teachers, support staff and children grow in confidence with outdoor learning through the year.
But through all of this, it has been an incredibly difficult and painful year personally. There has been a mammoth balancing act behind the scenes, managing all of this, burnout and being there for family. Perimenopause has been, well, pretty awful. The mental health struggles, physical demands, crippling self-doubt and feeling not enough are not always easy to manage when you have to be the person with the answers – or at least who seems like she has a clue.
This year has also taught me that success isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it is about learning to keep going sustainably, asking for help, and accepting that rest has a place in the journey too. I have never found asking for help particularly easy, but I am slowly learning that none of us are meant to carry everything alone.
As the academic year comes to a close, we have also suffered a bereavement. My mother-in-law, who lived with us to allow us to care for her, lost her battle with cancer. Grief is a tricky beast and one I had hoped not to welcome back so soon.
Through all of this, we have kept growing, supporting and being out there. That would have been impossible without the love and support of friends and family. Ian, my husband, who knows what to say, when to push and when to hug. My wider family who support and encourage me. They may have kept me going, but it is my wee team here that has kept things ticking away.
Jayne, my right hand, the best “big sister” I could ever have hoped for. She is the calm behind the chaos and the one who keeps me on track.
Tom, my left hand, who makes sure everything runs smoothly at conferences, training and everything we do in person.
Simon, our amazing IT support, who is always there to support us and you.
There are so many others as well, from those working in the business to those of you who check in on me and so much more.
This year has reminded me that none of us do this work alone. Every child reached, every school supported, every resource written and every success celebrated has been made possible by a community of people who believe children deserve to learn, play and belong outdoors.
I can only say thank you, even if that is not enough. But from the very depths of my heart, thank you. Every email, conversation, recommendation, kind word, hug, choccie biscuit and act of support has mattered more than you know.
Take care,
Carol
