Outdoor play and learning – a growing area of research
Given how many articles and information now exists about the outdoor learning and play, it can be hard to know where to begin to look. There is now an Outdoor Learning and Play Research and Articles Facebook group. This is a good supportive community of practitioners and academics. Please join and follow the instructions in the pinned post to find links to specific websites, news snippets and so on.
The websites listed below are hubs or collections which may also provide a useful starting point – click on the headings to visit each site. Please contact us if you have other suggestions. Google Scholar always remains useful too.
Children and Nature Network
Has excellent summaries of international research concerning the impact of nature on children. This is probably the most comprehensive and accessible online collection.
Institute for Outdoor Learning
Since July 2017, IOL have developed a research hubs and a page of information and links.
Learning through Landscapes
Have a research section in their website that is contains lots of school grounds data and publications.
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
England and Wales website dedicated to outdoor learning. Its research section has an interesting mix of research and reports.
Play Scotland
Has an extensive research section with various articles and information about the benefits of outdoor play.
Outdoor Education Research A-Z Directory
Roger Greenaway has a very comprehensive on his Reviewing website. This is a super resource.
East Ayrshire Council also have a page of outdoor learning research and links which is very helpful.
Scottish university outdoor education research
World-wide, there are established outdoor education departments within universities. In Scotland the following researchers and departments are worth checking out
