Outdoor education remains an important learning curve for any youngster.
Often those who benefit most are disadvantaged children but are currently likely to miss out.
I am delighted to support my Scottish Conservative colleague Liz Smith whose Outdoor Education Bill has now gained the backing of the Scottish Parliament’s education committee.
Her bill would guarantee equal access and the opportunity for all to gain from these potentially transformative residential programmes.
Funding will be examined in detail during the bill’s progress through the parliamentary process. It is hoped it will attract wide support from all parties as it moves forward.
Playing and learning about the outdoors earned Johnston Nursery in Kirkcudbright plaudits when it was recognised in the prestigious Scottish Finest Woods Awards.
It won the Early Years Runner-Up prize after the incredible work carried out by Hollie Mitchell and Kelly Lappin impressed the judges.
Thanks to the children and volunteers, the nursery has created a wonderful environment for nature to thrive and provide an amazing learning backdrop for the youngsters.
It is not the first time the nursery has been recognised, having previously won the Scottish Forestry’s Acorn Trophy in 2022 for its work that inspires an early love of trees and woodlands for young children.
