Stepping Stones to Nature
Stepping Stones to Nature supports children to grow up well with nature.
Through a tailored programme of sensory, nature-based and curriculum-enhancing activities we connect children with nature to promote good health and wellbeing, spark creativity, support development and learning, and boost confidence, communication and concentration.
The programme takes children on a journey of nature connection from school grounds to the North York Moors National Park where they can utilise newfound skills and experiences allow for freedom to interact, investigate, create, play, and learn with and in nature.
We work with primary schools serving some of the most deprived communities surrounding the National Park, including areas in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough, communities which sadly rank in the top ten percentage most deprived in England.
We believe the greatest impact of our approach - and the benefits of connecting with nature - will be felt in communities where opportunities to access nature or indeed National Parks is limited, and where children face significant economic and social barriers to visiting independently with family or friends.
Stepping Stones to Nature is a project developed by the North York Moors Trust and delivered on our behalf by Sylvan Lore.
The project was funded by Ryedale and Whitby NFU Mutual in 2024 and the North York Moors Trust in 2025.
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Deepen connection between children and nature.
Support health, social, developmental, and academic outcomes.
Nurture a lifelong motivation to take active steps to protect nature.
Strengthen nature confidence among teaching staff to encourage independently led nature-based learning.
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Between April 2024 and April 2025 we worked with three primary schools: Grangetown and Caedmon in Redcar and Cleveland and Thorntree Academy in Middlesbrough.
The project has engaged 110 children aged between seven and eight, as well as teaching staff.
To date the project has delivered 37 day sessions, enhancing nature knowledge and skills while supporting health, wellbeing and development, and enriching the learning experience for children from some of the local area and England's most deprived communities.
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We will shortly be releasing an impact report from the pilot phase of our project covering April - December 2024 which will include details of the programme, findings and recommendations.
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We will be working with two new primary schools located in Redcar and Cleveland from Mary 2025 to April 2026.
Eligible primary schools have been sent an expression of interest form. If you have not received this form, please contact j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
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The project was funded by Ryedale and Whitby NFU Mutual through the Agency Giving Fund from April-December 2024.
The project was funded by the North York Moors Trust between January-April 2025.
We are actively seeking sponsorship of the project in 2025 and 2026. If you are interested in funding this work, please email j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.
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