Grant News
State Funded Schools in selected parts of the UK are being invited to apply for the Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Essentials Grant. The grant supports projects that connect children and young people with nature, improve their wellbeing, and remove barriers to outdoor learning.
This round of funding is available only to schools located within specific postcode areas. Eligible postcodes are:
- Cumbria/Lancashire: BB, CA, FY, LA, PR
- Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Avon: GL, SN, BS, BA20, BA21, BA22
- Leicestershire: LE
The Outdoor Essentials Grant is open to schools working with children aged four to 18. It provides targeted support across four main categories:
- Nature & Nurture – School Grounds Improvements: Funding is available to enhance “nature on the doorstep” by transforming school grounds or community spaces. Projects may include creating wildflower meadows, raised beds, allotments, ponds, woodland areas, sensory gardens, or purchasing outdoor learning resources such as bug hotels and bird boxes. (Infrastructure such as playground equipment or storage sheds is not eligible.)
- Transport & Travel – Access to Outdoor Learning: Grants can help cover travel costs to outdoor venues including forest schools, woodlands, national parks, farms, beaches, and countryside parks. Trips must focus on nature connection and environmental learning.
- Wellies & Waterproofs – Outdoor Clothing: Funding is available to provide weather-appropriate clothing and equipment, ensuring all pupils can participate in outdoor activities regardless of financial barriers.
- Teacher Training – Outdoor Learning Skills: Support is offered for staff training to strengthen the skills and confidence needed to deliver impactful outdoor education.
Grant awards are set at £500 for primary schools, £500 for special schools, and £1,000 for secondary schools.
There is currently no closing date given, however, applications should be submitted as soon as possible, as funding rounds may close once sufficient applications have been received.
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