Why the Nature Based Learning Hub Was Founded
https://www.naturebasedlearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-10-at-16.43.51-1.png and Alex Williams, longtime friends and experienced educators/facilitators, founded the Nature Based Learning Hub to combine their expertise in outdoor education and nature connection. They recognised the immense benefits of nature and wanted to provide a service which provides nature based solutions.
https://www.naturebasedlearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-10-at-16.43.51-1.png- Co Founder of the Nature Based Learning Hub
https://www.naturebasedlearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-10-at-16.43.51-1.png is an experienced primary school teacher, qualified in 2006, with a passion for bringing learning outdoors. With a wealth of specialist knowledge, Jo supports schools nationwide in utilising their outdoor spaces to enhance teaching and learning. She is a certified Forest School and Beach School Practitioner, a dyslexia specialist, and an Intensive Wellbeing Outdoors Practitioner. She has developed an innovative Whole School Approach to Outdoor Learning Programme to sustainably integrate outdoor learning throughout schools. Jo also has expertise in alternative provision, which informs her inclusive approach to outdoor learning.
In addition to her direct work with schools, Jo has presented at events such as the Exeter University Conference, Shropshire Outdoor Learning Conference, and the Teach Outdoors Conference. She has also contributed to academic initiatives, including the STEP Outdoors project at Northampton University, where she raised awareness among education students about the importance of outdoor learning.
Jo’s dedication extends beyond schools—she is committed to supporting families, especially those where traditional learning environments are not helping children thrive. She works closely with families involved in EOTAS (Education Other Than at School), offering creative outdoor learning solutions that engage children who struggle in conventional educational settings.
Alex Williams – Co Founder of the Nature Based Learning Hub
Alex is a behavioural scientist and trainer with a specialism in human-nature relationships, environmental psychology and pro-environmental behaviour change. she has a passion for developing connections between people and their environments, she has dedicated her career to addressing environmental issues in rural, urban, and international settings. This work has deepened her understanding of the human-nature relationship and fuelled her enthusiasm for developing strategies to engage people in addressing the health, climate, and biodiversity crises. Alex specialises in designing impactful environmental and nature-based learning initiatives.
Alex’s background includes extensive work with schools, charities and councils. Alex has delivered outdoor learning, forest school, climate and sustainability qualifications and bespoke training and projects. Alex is an experienced forest school trainer and has delivered forest school training for over 9 years and mentored new forest school trainers.
Alex has designed and delivered various educational programs, written courses, and participatory workshops in areas such as sustainable development, nature-based play, forest school, outdoor learning, wild well-being, landscape project management, and nature connectedness. Alex has 12 years of experience in delivering forest school programmes to a range of ages and needs. Alex has also delivered outdoor therapeutic interventions, to various age groups.
Alex is experienced in community development approaches with groups in urban green infrastructure projects and nature-based communities. Alex has a strong background in participatory learning and action and experiential learning. The programs have engaged diverse audiences, including young people, teachers, businesses, charities, and communities.
Alex’s research dissertation for her M.Sc. in Behaviour Change (Environment and Conservation) focused on using the COM-B model to investigate teachers’ perceptions of nature connectedness in outdoor learning. Alex presented her findings at several conferences, including the Derby University Nature Connectedness Conference, Buckinghamshire outdoor learning conference and the Teach outdoors conference and she is a member of the nature connection network.
Alongside training, Alex currently has a research role evaluating the impacts of nature prescriptions on pro-conservation behaviour change. Alex is an LTL Accredited Professional in Outdoor Learning and Play, Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner and an Institute of Outdoor Learning Recognised Professional.