Publication Date: 1st November 2024
Formats: Paperback £12.99 and Ebook £4.99
We’re over the moon and then some to announce the publication of The Outdoor Learning Almanac 2025: Your seasonal guide linking the seasons to learning.
This beautifully crafted guide offers families and educators monthly activities, recipes, and lessons designed to inspire a deeper connection with nature. Created by our very own, Carol Murdoch, Director of Love Outdoor Learning, this almanac draws on her years of experience as a Forest School Leader and teacher.
Whether you’re planning seasonal adventures, gardening projects, or creative nature-based lessons, this almanac has everything you need to bring the outdoors into your life throughout the year. Each month is packed with practical ideas, including full moon details, wildlife observations, and inspirational stories to help you explore the natural world, no matter where you live.
“I was always a bit hesitant about outdoor learning, but this almanac has given me the confidence to dive right in. The monthly breakdown and clear instructions make it so easy to follow, and the nature-based activities have enhanced my children’s curiosity and creativity.” – Laura, Homeschooling Mum
Launching with heart
For the whole month of November 2024, we’re donating all profits from the sale of our almanac to the Maggie’s Centre, who have centres across the UK and Europe, in memory of my mum, who received life-changing care there. This is our way of giving back to a charity that made a lasting impact on my family.
I first came across the Maggie Centre around 22 years ago on Halloween. A day I will never forget, as it was the day my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and they suggested heading there for a cuppa after giving us the devastating news.
We headed on over and the centre manager, Andrew, took us into a room with a log burner (isn’t it funny the wee things we remember) and talked to us. I had no idea then what a huge support they would be.
During that first illness, mum, who was not at all into her hair and make up, enjoyed the Look Good, Feel Better session. We enjoyed cooking classes together there. Dad undertook some art therapy and I was provided with counselling. They also supported my siblings in various ways.
Thankfully Mum got better. We would still pop in when we went for her checkups, having a cuppa around the big dinner table in the kitchen. We were always welcomed with a hug, a cuppa and most of the time, some delicious home-baking.
Seven years passed and Mum was thriving. But, unfortunately, her cancer came back. Of course, our first port of call was the Maggie’s. Again, they supported us all with the listening, courses and more. I was juggling my fourth year at university and if Mum was getting chemo or was in hospital, I would often be found with my uni books in there, taking wee chances to study but wanting to stay close.
The Maggie Centre was to play a big role in my life at that time. We were planning my wedding, in seven weeks’ time Mum would be off the chemo and so we planned an intimate service on the shore of Loch Morlich by Aviemore just before Christmas. But, life had other plans for us all. You see, it became apparent that Mum was not going to win this battle and that she only had days left. Marion and the team at Maggie’s helped organise my wedding. We had four days to do so. The plan was to get married on Tuesday 24th of November in the centre after hours.
But what is that phrase, the gods laugh as people plan? On the day Mum was not doing well, we had to pull the wedding forward as soon as we could get everyone to the hospital. I hastily slapped on my wedding dress and we all pulled together. The team at the Maggie Centre had a cake, photographer, gifts, bubbly and more for us. They even used their contacts to get us a first night in a hotel. Between them and the ward staff, the TV room was transformed, and we said our vows with Mum and both families watching.



After the ceremony, Mum went to sleep and the nurse said it was time for us all to say our goodbyes. She held on for two more days before passing peacefully with Dad by her side.

After that, I was a wreck. I had lost my best friend. But, more was to come. Four years later Dad was diagnosed with cancer. We lost him after a brief fight. The counselling and support I received after losing both parents helped more than I can ever describe.
This time of year, Mum and the help the Maggie Centre gave us is always on my mind. So, with my book coming out now it seemed the obvious thing to do was to use it for good and donate the profits to the Maggie Centre. So, any pre-sales and all sales for the first week will go to Maggie’s. Help in saying thank you to them would be hugely appreciated.
You can purchase your copy of our almanac (and support Maggie’s) from Amazon. We’d love it if you could also:
- Tell everyone and their cat about it
- Leave us a review on Amazon
- Enjoying using it, it’s a resource we really believe in
We’ll also be hiding a few copies out in the wild for people to discover – keep an eye on our socials to see where they pop up! And if you do pick up your own copy, tag us with #OutdoorAlmanac or #FoundTheAlmanac.
As always, all the thank yous and then some.
Carol