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All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Outdoor Learning

There has been considerable MP support for our campaign and we're happy to announce that an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Outdoor Learning is to be set up. In the short term of course the focus is on saving the residential outdoor education provider base but this is a very significant development for Outdoor Learning more widely and in the long term. Read more....

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Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale, visited Bendrigg to look at their centre. He was also there to highlight the need to reopen residential outdoor centres.

▪ IOL CEO, Andy Robinson, interviewed for the feature on the need to keep residential outdoor centres open said, "We're not just talking about 2020 and 2021 being lost in terms of school opportunities, we're talking about years ahead."
▪ Tim Farron said "Outdoor education is so important for young people's wellbeing and development". ITV Look Around featured Tim’s visit to Bendrigg plus interviews with centre heads as well as key figures in outdoor learning as we all pull together to resume residential outdoor education visits.
IOL CEO, Andy Robinson, interviewed for the feature on the need to keep residential outdoor centres open said, "We're not just talking about 2020 and 2021 being lost in terms of school opportunities, we're talking about years ahead."
Tim Farron said "Outdoor education is so important for young people's wellbeing and development". ITV Look Around featured Tim’s visit to Bendrigg plus interviews with centre heads as well as key figures in outdoor learning as we all pull together to resume residential outdoor education visits.
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Tim Farron says, "The Government must allow schools to go on residential outdoor education visits.

"Those children will be as safe as they would be in school but they'll also get this really beneficial opportunity and we'll save countless jobs and businesses"

▪ Matt Hancock has agreed to review the ban on educational residential visits with Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education. View Tim Farron's video on Twitter of his call to the Sec. of State, in Parliament, to review the ban on residential school visits and change the DfE advice.
▪ Exposure on BBC Northwest News last weekend. Not the full story, but it’s a start.
See the video snippet...
▪ Robin Millar MP is supporting the new APPG and has tweeted that the "group has clear sight on short term challenge to sector - and long term opportunities that lie beyond."
Matt Hancock has agreed to review the ban on educational residential visits with Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education. View Tim Farron's video on Twitter of his call to the Sec. of State, in Parliament, to review the ban on residential school visits and change the DfE advice.
Exposure on BBC Northwest News last weekend. Not the full story, but it’s a start.
See the video snippet...
Robin Millar MP is supporting the new APPG and has tweeted that the "group has clear sight on short term challenge to sector - and long term opportunities that lie beyond."
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▪ Tim Taylor of Patterdale Hall Centre remembers his first outdoor learning residential and calls for the residential outdoor learning sector to be saved during the meeting at Bendrigg with MP’s and media to raise awareness of the outdoors sector’s readiness to support the recovery and operate residential learning once again. "Targeted action is needed by the government". See Tim's film here...
Tim Taylor of Patterdale Hall Centre remembers his first outdoor learning residential and calls for the residential outdoor learning sector to be saved during the meeting at Bendrigg with MP’s and media to raise awareness of the outdoors sector’s readiness to support the recovery and operate residential learning once again. "Targeted action is needed by the government". See Tim's film here...

@saveoutdoored #saveoutdoored

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5 reasons why outdoor learning is a good idea for primary schools

▪ On the RTÉ website. Analysis: outdoor learning is about more than merely taking lessons designed for the classroom outside on a sunny day. One positive outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the surge in interest in connecting more with our local areas and reconnecting with nature and the great outdoors. This is great news for anyone who has been trying to drive outdoor learning in our primary schools. Read more...
On the RTÉ website. Analysis: outdoor learning is about more than merely taking lessons designed for the classroom outside on a sunny day. One positive outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the surge in interest in connecting more with our local areas and reconnecting with nature and the great outdoors. This is great news for anyone who has been trying to drive outdoor learning in our primary schools. Read more...
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An article is entitled, Joint recommendations for reporting empirical research in outdoor, experiential, environmental, and adventure education journals is freely available at this link.
You might find it helpful for your own work and for advising graduate students or others who wish to publish in these areas.

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IOL Bushcraft PPG discussion on Facebook

During November the IOL Bushcraft PPG Facebook group are discussing using fire for different bushcraft applications. They would love to have your input on this - what have you used fire for besides cooking? Input here.

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Regional Network & Support Webinars

Webinars for members in the regions and Home Nations to meet online.

▪ 7th Dec - 7.00pm to 8.00pm - North East Network and Support.
▪ 9th Dec - 7.00pm to 8.00pm - Midlands Network and Support.
7th Dec - 7.00pm to 8.00pm - North East Network and Support.
9th Dec - 7.00pm to 8.00pm - Midlands Network and Support.

Open-to-all webinars. Non members welcome

▪ 19th Nov - 7.00pm to 8pm. Freelancers FREE Network & Support webinar. Hosted by Stuart Meese.
19th Nov - 7.00pm to 8pm. Freelancers FREE Network & Support webinar. Hosted by Stuart Meese.

Use your website log in for more information and to book.

Would you like to host a webinar?

Are you an IOL Member with a desire to actively support our community learning together by hosting a discussion, sharing tips from your experience, discussing research or giving an overview of a key theory or model that you find valuable?

Please contact Louise to offer to host a future online event. You can also contact us if you wish to see any specific online topics and issues being made available.

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Professional Recognition - no cost for IOL Members

Do you meet the benchmarks to gain Recognition as a Professional or Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning? Professional recognition distinguishes a level of education and experience working in any area of outdoor learning.
It is FREE to be Professionally Recognised for IOL Individual Members. The process is simple - FIND OUT MORE HERE and download the forms. If you don't hold a degree there is an equivalence route. IOL and AHOEC have agreed to offer this same recognition as part of working towards a single outdoor sector body.

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More than 49,000 miles of paths lost from maps in England and Wales

More than 49,000 miles of footpaths are missing from modern maps in England and Wales and risk being lost for ever, according to a “citizen mapping” effort led by the Ramblers. Read more....

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What should be in your winter rucksack? A mountain expert gives his views

With winter approaching it’s important to equip yourself adequately. uxton Mountain Rescue Team member and mountaineering instructor Rob Wymer has put together a YouTube video. Read more...

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Mountain Training Coronovirus updates...

... including - Three Mountaineering Scotland members have been involved in producing a scientific paper on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mountain sports. Read more...

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Recreational paddling in England permitted under new measures

Guidance issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Sport England confirms that recreational paddling is permitted within the government measures. Read more...

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Connect with nature during lockdown

The Wildlife Trusts highlight the importance of nature and being outdoors. Just a bit of time every day spent in nature can help relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. Read more...

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Land designated for nature restoration: a (wild)belter of an idea?

In a Positive News article experts are calling for ‘wildbelts’ to become part of UK planning strategy. What is this protection mechanism, and how could it help boost biodiversity and address the climate crisis? Read more...

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Horizons No. 91 is online to read!

FREE to Download/Read here for IOL Members
Good practice - Insights - Fresh ideas - Inspiration.

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Who to contact at IOL

▪ Andy Robinson, CEO
▪ Louise Keir, Operations Manager
▪ Fiona Exon, Media/Publishing (Event bookings, Web listings, Advertising with IOL)
▪ Steve Ullyart, IT Manager (Accounts payable, IOL IT)
▪ Dave Brooks, Member Services Admin (Membership, Bookshop)
▪ Neal Anderson, Professional Standards Manager
Andy Robinson, CEO
Louise Keir, Operations Manager
Fiona Exon, Media/Publishing (Event bookings, Web listings, Advertising with IOL)
Steve Ullyart, IT Manager (Accounts payable, IOL IT)
Dave Brooks, Member Services Admin (Membership, Bookshop)
Neal Anderson, Professional Standards Manager
 
         
 
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