Winter can be cold, it can be wet, hey, there are even days where it feels downright miserable. But outdoor learning has just as much value during the colder months—if not more! While bundling up might take a little extra effort, the benefits far outweigh the hassle. And, we even have a wee blog here that gives you all the outdoor clothing tips.
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about the magic of winter, with its frosty landscapes and crisp air, it offers a fresh perspective on outdoor learning, allowing both children and adults to experience nature in a whole new way. There are so many benefits of getting outdoors in winter, rather than hibernating, so here’s why it’s still worth heading outside.
Improved Mental Well-being
Spending time in nature during winter can reduce anxiety and enhance mood. A study from the University of York found that outdoor, nature-based activities led to improved mood and reduced anxiety, especially when done in groups.
Enhanced Psychological Relaxation
Viewing winter forest landscapes with snow-covered ground and trees has been shown to promote psychological relaxation. A study involving young Finnish adults reported significant decreases in negative mood indices after exposure to such environments.
Boosted Physical and Mental Health
Spending time outdoors in green spaces during winter has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Exposure to natural environments provides a combination of sensory stimulation and a break from typical urban overstimulation, leading to mental restoration and increased positive emotions.
Improved Physical and Mental Well-being
Engaging in outdoor activities during winter can improve both physical and mental health. Activities like walking in the cold can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Increased Positive Emotions
Being outdoors in winter can boost positive emotions and decrease stress levels. Exposure to natural environments during the colder months has been linked to improved mood and mental well-being.
Winter Nature Connection: Activities to Try
Winter might seem like a quieter time for nature, but there’s still plenty to discover. Here are a few simple, engaging activities.
Tree Detectives
Without leaves, identifying trees becomes an exciting challenge. Encourage learners to examine the bark—what patterns or textures do they see? Can they find any unique buds forming on the branches? Bring along paper and crayons for bark rubbings, or turn it into a fun game by matching fallen leaves to nearby trees. This activity not only helps children engage with nature but also builds observational skills. Nature Detectives at the Woodland Trust have a great winter tree ID sheet you can use.
Wildlife Tracking
Winter is ideal for spotting animal tracks in frost or mud. Whether it’s bird prints, fox trails, or even tiny mouse paths, tracking wildlife can spark curiosity and excitement. Encourage learners to think about what might have passed by—what kind of animal made the tracks? Where were they going? Observing quietly helps develop patience and mindfulness.
The Field Studies Council have a great guide you can purchase.
And the Scottish Wildlife Trust has pictures of tracks.
Here’s a guide to common animal tracks you might find during outdoor learning in winter, when snow, frost, or mud makes spotting tracks easier:
Fox Tracks
- Shape: Oval-shaped with four toes and a distinct heel pad. The front tracks are larger than the back tracks.
- Size: 4.5–6 cm (1.7–2.4 inches) long.
- Gait: Foxes typically walk in a straight line, placing their back paw directly in the print of the front paw.
- Where to find: Along hedgerows, open fields, and woodland paths.
Deer Tracks
- Shape: Heart-shaped with two distinct hooves that come to a point at the front.
- Size: 4–8 cm (1.5–3 inches) depending on the species (roe deer tracks are smaller, red deer tracks are larger).
- Gait: Deer tracks often appear in a zigzag pattern when they’re walking, and prints may be spaced farther apart if they were running.
- Where to find: Forest trails, fields, and near water sources.
Rabbit Tracks
- Shape: Two larger oval back feet and two smaller round front feet. The back feet land ahead of the front feet when they hop, creating a distinctive pattern.
- Size: Back feet 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 inches) long, front feet about 4 cm (1.5 inches) long.
- Gait: Tracks are often in groups of four, with the back feet positioned ahead of the front feet due to their hopping movement.
- Where to find: Grassy fields, woodland edges, and gardens.
Badger Tracks
- Shape: Broad, oval-shaped tracks with five toes and visible claw marks. The heel pad is large and distinct.
- Size: 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) wide.
- Gait: Badgers have a loping gait, so their tracks may appear in pairs.
- Where to find: Near woodland, hedgerows, and setts (their burrows).
Squirrel Tracks
- Shape: Two larger hind feet with elongated toes and two smaller round front feet. Like rabbits, their hind feet land ahead of their front feet when they move.
- Size: Hind feet 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 inches), front feet 3 cm (1 inch).
- Gait: Tracks appear in pairs of four prints, often leading to or from trees.
- Where to find: Forests, parks, and gardens, especially near trees.
Bird Tracks
- Shape: Three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe. Larger birds like crows and pheasants leave deeper and wider prints.
- Size: Varies by species—small birds like robins leave tiny tracks (around 1–2 cm), while larger birds like pheasants can leave tracks up to 10 cm (4 inches) long.
- Gait: Birds that hop leave pairs of prints, while those that walk leave alternating tracks.
- Where to find: Along muddy paths, snowy fields, and near water.
Otter Tracks
- Shape: Oval-shaped with five toes and visible webbing between them. Claw marks may also be present.
- Size: 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 inches) wide.
- Gait: Otters move with a bounding gait, often leaving tracks in pairs. Their tail may drag and leave a mark between their prints.
- Where to find: Riverbanks, near lakes, and in coastal areas.
Hedgehog Tracks
- Shape: Small, oval-shaped tracks with five toes. The prints may resemble tiny human hands.
- Size: 2.5–3 cm (1 inch) long.
- Gait: Hedgehogs have a shuffling gait, so their tracks may appear close together.
- Where to find: Gardens, woodland edges, and hedgerows.
Mouse Tracks
- Shape: Tiny, round front feet and slightly larger hind feet with visible toes. Tail marks may appear between the footprints.
- Size: Tracks are typically less than 1 cm (0.4 inches) long.
- Gait: Mice scurry, so their tracks are close together, often with a clear tail drag mark.
- Where to find: Near hedgerows, grassy fields, and woodland edges.
Domestic Dog Tracks
- Shape: Oval-shaped with four toes and a heel pad. Claw marks are usually visible. Unlike fox tracks, dog tracks are more splayed.
- Size: Varies greatly depending on the breed, but generally 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long.
- Gait: Dogs tend to wander, so their tracks often appear less uniform than fox tracks.
- Where to find: Parks, woodland paths, and open fields
Birdwatching
Winter brings new bird visitors, such as redwings and fieldfares, which can be thrilling for young learners to spot. Set up a simple bird feeder and watch what species come to visit. To make it more engaging, have learners keep a bird journal, recording the different birds they see, their behaviours, and even sketching them. This activity fosters connection with wildlife while encouraging careful observation and record-keeping.
Seasonal Art
Use natural materials as your art supplies. Gather twigs, pinecones, leaves, and stones, then let learners create natural mandalas, simple sculptures, or collages. Not only is this a calming, creative activity, but it also reinforces the idea that nature can inspire us in many ways. Learners love the chance to take their creations home or leave them behind as a temporary part of the landscape.
Winter outdoor learning might require a bit more preparation, but it’s absolutely worth it. By layering up and embracing the cold, you’re opening the door to rich, meaningful experiences for your learners. Beyond the physical benefits, it also teaches important life skills—resilience, adaptability, and mindfulness.
Most importantly, outdoor learning in winter shows children that nature isn’t just something to enjoy on sunny days.
