Why The Bushcraft Company supports the Outdoor Education Bill 

At The Bushcraft Company, we’ve spent years watching children step off the coach nervous and unsure, and climb back on a few days later standing taller, laughing louder, and believing in themselves a little more. That transformation is why we do what we do. And it’s why we wholeheartedly support the Outdoor Education Bill currently making its way through Parliament.

What is the Outdoor Education Bill?

The Outdoor Education Bill, introduced by Tim Farron MP, would require that every child in England is offered at least one outdoor education experience during their primary school years and at least one during secondary school.

It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: no child should miss out on outdoor learning because of their postcode, their school’s budget, or their family’s circumstances.

The Bill has now reached its final stages in Parliament and momentum across the UK is building. In early 2026, Scotland passed the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Act, making residential outdoor education a legal entitlement for every pupil. England now has the opportunity to follow suit.

Why outdoor education matters more than ever

• It builds confidence and resilience – There’s something about building a fire, navigating a woodland trail, or working together to build a shelter that a classroom simply can’t replicate. Children discover they’re capable of more than they thought and that belief follows them back to school and into everyday life.
• It supports mental health and wellbeing – Young people today spend less time outdoors than any previous generation, and rates of anxiety and low mood among children continue to rise. Time in nature is consistently linked to improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress, and better focus. Outdoor education isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the answer.
• It develops teamwork, communication and leadership – Outdoor learning puts children in situations where they have to listen, cooperate, encourage each other, and solve problems together. These are the life skills employers ask for and communities depend on, and they’re built brilliantly outdoors.
• It boosts engagement and attainment – Learning outside the classroom brings the curriculum to life. Science, geography, maths and English all take on new meaning when children can see, touch and experience them. Pupils who struggle to engage indoors often flourish outside and teachers see the difference when they return.
• It creates memories that last a lifetime – Ask any adult about their school days and, more often than not, it’s the residential trip they remember: the first night away from home, the campfire, the moment they conquered a fear. Every child deserves those memories.

The problem the Bill solves: unequal access

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: access to outdoor education in England is a postcode lottery. Some children enjoy multiple residentials during their school years. Others never get a single one, usually the children who would benefit most.

Cost, confidence and competing pressures mean outdoor learning is too often treated as an optional extra, first on the list when budgets are cut. The Outdoor Education Bill changes that. It says outdoor education is not “extra”, it’s an essential part of a rounded education, and every child is entitled to it.

Our commitment at The Bushcraft Company

As providers of outdoor education, we see the evidence every single day. We see the quiet child who finds their voice on day two. The class that arrives as individuals and leaves as a team. The teacher who tells us they’ve seen a side of their pupils they never knew existed. That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside schools, families and organisations across the outdoor education sector in supporting this Bill. We believe:

• Every child should experience outdoor education, not just those whose schools can afford it.
• Outdoor learning should be recognised as a core part of education, not a nice-to-have.
• Legislation is the surest way to guarantee fair access for generations to come

What happens next?

The Bill is in the final stages of its journey through Parliament. We’ll be following its progress closely and we encourage everyone who cares about children’s education, health and happiness to do the same.

Ready to bring outdoor learning to your school?

At The Bushcraft Company, we’re ready to help every school give their pupils the outdoor education experience they deserve. From day visits to full residentials, our programmes are designed to build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Get in touch with our team today to start planning your school’s next adventure!