Children who have nature around them at school enjoy it more. That is the message from Natural England's Children's People and Nature Survey: of the children and young people who said there was more nature around their school, 72% said it made them enjoy school more. For 28%, school is where they spend most of their time in nature at all.
So what can a school do with a square of tarmac and a tight budget? Quite a lot, says Arek Zakrzewski, landscape architect and creative director at Glasgow garden design firm North Hill Gardens, who shares his ideas for bringing more of the wild into even the smallest playground.
Why green space matters
Nature at school gives children room for outdoor learning, physical play and hands-on exploration. In Denmark, the Udeskole approach sees pupils regularly take lessons outside, and shows how even a small green space can support science, maths and English through practical activities. Time outdoors also feeds children's curiosity about the natural world and helps good habits take root early.
Start with what you have
"Ideally, green spaces in schools need to be established early in the construction of a school," says Arek. "It is much easier and cheaper to cover a playground in tarmac, but it offers no opportunity to create a green space where pupils can enjoy nature."
Schools without large grounds can still make good use of smaller corners, and Arek suggests aiming for spaces that appeal to children and wildlife alike.
"Using bright, colourful plants and flowers can make outdoor spaces more engaging for children, while incorporating a variety of native plants, wildflowers and other wildlife-friendly features can help create a thriving habitat for insects and birds.
"Schools don't necessarily need large gardens to achieve this. Even smaller areas can be transformed into valuable green spaces, whether through planting beds, wildflower patches, potted plants or dedicated wildlife areas."
Roll out the welcome mat for wildlife
Bug hotels are a simple way to invite wildlife in, while helping children learn about local species, watch life cycles unfold and sharpen their observation skills.
"Bug hotels are a good option for urban schools, which often lack the natural habitats many insects rely on, such as decaying wood and hollow plant stems," Arek explains. "Children can also collaborate with each other by helping to build a bug hotel, giving them valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving and design skills."
Bird feeders take up very little room. Pupils can take turns topping up the seed, which is often all it takes to spark a lifelong love of birdwatching.
Log piles make a ready-made micro-habitat for insects and other small creatures. Children can watch who moves in, and learn about biodiversity and why habitats matter along the way.
Take lessons outside
Green spaces aren't just for break time and PE. They can become an extension of the classroom too. In English, pupils might write about the sights, sounds and smells around them; in geography, they could explore weather, soil, habitats and sustainability; in science, the school grounds become a living laboratory of plants, insects and local ecosystems.
"The Danish approach of Udeskole can be adapted to green spaces in UK schools, regardless of the size of the area available," says Arek. "Schools can start by creating a simple outdoor learning space with seating, planting and areas for children to explore. Even a small garden, courtyard or collection of raised beds can provide opportunities for pupils to take lessons outside and interact with nature.
"The key is to make the space versatile. Planting can be used for science lessons, natural materials can be incorporated into maths activities, while the surroundings can provide inspiration for English and art. This allows schools to make the most of the space they already have, rather than needing to create a large purpose-built outdoor classroom."
Make room for everyone
Sensory planting creates a more varied outdoor space, with quieter corners for pupils who find a busy classroom or playground overwhelming.
"Try incorporating plants with different colours, textures, scents and forms, giving children opportunities to interact with the space using different senses," Arek suggests.
"Making the space accessible for all is important, whether that means ensuring there are accessible paths, raised flower beds or quieter seated areas. It is important to think about how different pupils will use the space, rather than creating a one-size-fits-all environment. Green spaces should be somewhere all pupils can enjoy, learn and collaborate together."
Small steps, big difference
"Many school grounds are dominated by tarmac, but creating opportunities for children to connect with nature doesn't require a major redevelopment project," Arek concludes. "Even simple additions such as sensory planting, wildlife areas, raised beds and outdoor learning spaces can help transform underused areas into valuable places for learning and exploration.
"The important thing is to make the most of the space available and think about how it can be used throughout the school day. By bringing more nature into school grounds, we can create environments that support learning, encourage curiosity and give more children the opportunity to experience the natural world."
Source: The Children's People and Nature Survey for England: 2025 update, Natural England.
