A Nature Park guide for EYFS

Taking part in the Nature Park programme with Early Years learners will focus on building foundational green skills and connection to nature while enabling children to learn and develop in the seven areas of learning outlined in the EYFS statutory framework. Activities and outcomes will look different to older learners taking part in the Nature Park, but these experiences will set children up with the understanding, curiosity and core skills for continuing their Nature Park journey, learning and development as they progress to KS1 and above. The Nature Park process is cyclical, meaning you can continue learning about your space and improving it for nature year on year with new learners. 

Getting to know your space

• children will build confidence and comfort outdoors, beginning with gentle steps to explore nature and orientate themselves in a space
• they will familiarise themselves with their local environment through observation and interaction through the seasons, noticing what is there and what is not there
• children will be able to share their likes and dislikes about their environment, and be able to recognise and name some animals and plants and where they might live 

Note: staff are encouraged to map the habitats on your site to help visualise a starting point for the changes you’d like to see 

Identifying opportunities

• children will share what they enjoy about a space, what elements they might like to change – and how these changes could impact nature
• role play and storytelling will support learners to develop empathy for nature and wildlife, and consider how other creatures might experience it
• children will have some understanding of how looking after nature also benefits us 

Making decisions

• children will learn more about the benefits of plants for people and wildlife, and consider how different choices could achieve different outcomes
• together, learners and adults will visualise their ideas and what their space could look like – through imagery, storytelling and creative activities
• children will gain confidence in offering their own ideas, having their voice heard by voting and taking part in discussions 

Making change happen

• learners will be involved in taking action to improve their outdoor space – from digging soil to sowing seeds or watering plants – understanding the small steps required to work towards bigger goals
• children will explore practical problem-solving and care for the environment through role play and storytelling
• with the support of staff and the wider community, learners will play a part in improving their local area and feel a sense of ownership and achievement  

Recording change

• children will begin to notice, observe and understand how their environment has changed due to their own positive actions – from observing wildlife to sharing their own feelings
• they will consider similarities and differences between past and present by looking back at where they started and where they are now
• children will be encouraged to recognise and celebrate their accomplishments by reflecting on what they have explored, learned and achieved  

The resources below will help you to get started planning your Nature Park journey and how you might take part with learners. The EYFS Getting Started guide sets out recommended activities for each of the five Nature Park steps, and their links to the relevant areas of learning and development. Our EYFS book list highlights suitable storybooks recommended by BookTrust to facilitate nature storytelling and discussion.