Hundreds of young people across the UK will soon benefit from outdoor learning opportunities, thanks to the launch of a £10,000 fundraising campaign by the Field Studies Council (FSC). The charity, which has been at the forefront of environmental education for over 80 years, aims to provide vital outdoor experiences for schoolchildren who may otherwise miss out due to financial constraints.
The Re-Boot and Raise campaign is designed to raise funds for the FSC’s Grants for Schools programme, which provides bursaries for disadvantaged students to attend curriculum-based outdoor education trips at field centres across England, Wales, and Scotland. The initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of young people, offering them valuable hands-on experiences that foster personal growth and academic development.
The fundraising challenge, which will take place in March 2025, is a virtual hike that aims to cover a total of 514 miles – the distance between the charity’s most northern and southern field centres. Participants in teams of seven to 10 people will be asked to walk, run, cycle, or swim the distance over the course of the month. Each participant will contribute by covering between 51-73 miles and raising between £100 and £150.
Gemma Edmonds, the FSC’s new Fundraising Manager, explained: “This campaign comes at a crucial time, particularly for young people who are facing socioeconomic challenges and are missing out on essential outdoor learning. These experiences are transformative – they’re not just educational, but they also offer opportunities to develop vital skills that can shape future career choices.”
The funds raised from the campaign will go directly towards helping students access outdoor education at FSC centres. £35 can cover the cost of a day trip for one student, while £225 provides a full two-night residential experience. The charity estimates that the campaign could help up to 285 students gain access to these transformative learning opportunities.
“Many of our visitors have never left their home city, never been to the countryside, or even worn wellington boots. Through this fundraising initiative, we hope to change that and provide these young people with the experiences they deserve,” added Edmonds.
The campaign comes in the wake of the UK government’s recent curriculum review, where education experts have highlighted the importance of practical, fieldwork-based learning. The FSC believes that hands-on outdoor experiences are crucial for developing “green skills” – a key focus in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, such experiences are essential for fostering future ecologists, conservationists, wildlife restoration officers, and biodiversity managers.
The charity’s research shows that outdoor learning not only improves students’ scientific and geographical knowledge but also stimulates curiosity, enhances classroom learning, and engages those who may struggle in traditional academic settings.
For those interested in supporting the campaign, individuals can register for £5.99 to join or start a team. Further details and sign-up information can be found on the FSC’s website at ReBoot Virtual Hike 2025.
