🦉Please note: the lesson plans we’ve linked to below are only available to members. If you’d like to be supported in curriculum-based outdoor learning, please take a look at the membership options available.
Organic Month
It’s a great time to explore organic farming and gardening. This month-long celebration promotes sustainable practices that are good for our health and the planet.
The Festival of Learning ‘Have a Go’ Month
September is Festival of Learning ‘Have a Go’ Month. Encourage your students to try something new and develop a love for learning outside. This initiative, part of the broader Festival of Learning, aims to inspire people of all ages to take up new challenges and experiences.
Scottish Food & Drink September
Scottish Food & Drink September is a wonderful time to celebrate local produce. This fortnight highlights Scotland’s rich culinary heritage and encourages the use of locally sourced ingredients. Explore Scottish foods with your class through fun, outdoor cooking activities and farm visits. It’s a tasty way to learn about local agriculture and healthy eating.
6th September: Read a Book Day
Read a Book Day is the perfect excuse to take storytime outside. Reading outdoors can make books come alive in new ways. Check out our book activities, Top Books for Outdoor Learning, and 5 Free Outdoor Activities for World Book Day for inspiration.
8th September: International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is a great opportunity to bring literacy lessons outdoors. Established by UNESCO, this day highlights the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. Use our literacy resources to create engaging and dynamic reading and writing activities in nature.
13th September: Roald Dahl Day
Roald Dahl Day is always a fun celebration. Honouring the beloved author on his birthday, this day encourages creativity and storytelling. Take your class outside for some whimsical and imaginative activities inspired by Dahl’s stories. Let their creativity run wild, just like in his books.
16th September: International Preservation of the Ozone Layer Day
On International Preservation of the Ozone Layer Day, teach your students about the importance of protecting our atmosphere. This day, proclaimed by the United Nations, marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Simple outdoor science experiments can illustrate how the ozone layer works and why it’s vital for life on Earth.
19th September: Youth Mental Health Day
Youth Mental Health Day is a great time to focus on well-being. This day promotes understanding and support for young people’s mental health. Use our Mental Health Week, Mindful Walks, and Mindful Listening lessons to create a calming outdoor experience. Check out our blog on Daily Mile Ideas for more tips.
19th – 28th September: Great British Beach Clean
Great British Beach Clean is a fantastic event to get involved in. Organised by the Marine Conservation Society, this initiative mobilises volunteers to clean up beaches across the UK. Organise a beach clean-up with your students and teach them about the impact of litter on marine life. It’s a hands-on way to show the importance of environmental stewardship.
20th – 26th September: FSC Forest Week
FSC Forest Week is perfect for exploring the forest ecosystem. Organised by the Forest Stewardship Council, this week highlights the importance of sustainable forest management. Use our Rainforest and Woodland Layers lesson and blog on Rainforests in the UK to teach about different forest layers and their importance.
22nd – 28th September: National Recycling Week
National Recycling Week is a perfect opportunity to teach about sustainability. Use outdoor spaces to collect recyclable materials, discuss the importance of waste reduction, and make projects out of repurposed items. Read our blog on Making the Most of Your Playground for tips on integrating recycling into outdoor learning.
22nd September: Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox marks a change in seasons and a chance to observe nature’s transformations. This day, when day and night are roughly equal, is perfect for exploring seasonal changes. Use our lessons on Signs of Autumn, Autumn Printing, Autumn Tree, and Autumn Literacy. Our blogs on Autumn Poetry and Autumn Art are great for creative inspiration.
22nd – 28th September: Maths Week Scotland
Maths Week Scotland is the perfect time to take math lessons outdoors and we’ve got a library of lessons to help you do just that. This annual event celebrates the importance of mathematics in our everyday lives. Use nature to teach mathematical concepts through real-world applications and engaging activities.
23rd September – 23rd October: Seed Gathering Season
Seed Gathering Season is a great time for collecting and planting seeds. Organised by The Tree Council, this initiative encourages people to gather seeds and grow trees. Our lessons on How to Make Seed Paper and a Seed Scavenger Hunt will help your students understand the life cycle of plants.
26th September – 12th October: British Food Fortnight
British Food Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to explore local foods. This celebration promotes British agriculture and encourages the consumption of locally produced food. Plan outdoor cooking sessions and farm visits to teach students about where their food comes from and the benefits of eating locally.
26th September: European Day of Languages
Celebrate European Day of Languages by exploring different languages and cultures outdoors. This day, established by the Council of Europe, promotes language learning and cultural diversity. Language games and activities, like our Gaelic Pack, can make learning new languages fun and interactive.
27th September: Doodle Day
Doodle Day is all about creativity. Use our Doodle Diddle lesson to encourage students to express themselves through drawing and doodling in nature.
28th September: World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day is ideal for learning about water ecosystems. This global celebration of rivers promotes awareness of the importance of waterways. Check out our Pond and River Dipping Risk Assessment and Pooh Sticks lessons to engage students with river activities.
29th September: World Heart Day
World Heart Day is a reminder to focus on heart health. Created by the World Heart Federation, this day aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases. Read our blog on Uncomplicated Lessons: The Heart of Outdoor Education.
Let’s Get Social
We love seeing what you’re all up to when it comes to outdoor learning; please do find us on social media (we’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn) and tag us so we can have a nosey.
