Nature Education Conference

Nature Conference Downloads

Conference in partnership with Environment Bank

Nature Education Conference Programme 2026

The Nature Education Conference is the UK’s first large-scale gathering dedicated to placing Nature Connection at the heart of education.

This one-day event will bring together school leaders, senior decision makers, policymakers, conservation organisations, researchers and innovators to explore how teaching and learning can be transformed through a deeper connection with the natural world.

Our ambition is simple: to shape a future where Nature and natural history are not extras, but essentials — central to how we educate, inspire and prepare young people for life.

Delegates will not only hear from the UK’s leading voices but will also leave with a digital implementation pack — practical resources, contacts, and learning materials — to take back into their schools and communities.

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Our Aims

Build a national conversation on the role of Nature Connection in education
Explore how curriculum, policy and practice can evolve together
Share innovations and real-world examples from the UK and overseas
Highlight research on the benefits of Nature for learning, wellbeing and community
Inspire practical, immediate steps that schools and organisations can implement

Where

The conference will be held at Mount Kelly in Tavistock, a stunning location on the edge of Dartmoor.

Mount Kelly has spent the last 18 months embedding Nature into its curriculum through a wide range of classroom and outdoor activities. Progress is being measured through the University of Derby’s respected Nature Connection Index, which has already shown clear, positive results.

This pioneering work has been made possible by the generous support of Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Building on this foundation, Mount Kelly is now working with the Oxford Education Deanery Sustainability team, focusing on the impact of Nature Connectedness on attendance rates and behaviour.

This groundbreaking work provides the starting point for the conference: a chance to explore what is already possible, and to inspire others to adapt and apply these approaches – whether in classrooms, through outdoor learning, or through the development of new qualifications such as the Natural History GCSE.

Squirrel in nature

Themes We’ll Explore

The future of education, Nature, and natural history in the UK
Research on Nature Connection and learning outcomes
Innovative school and community programmes
The development of new qualifications, including the Natural History GCSE
Cross-sector contributions
Skills for life: fieldwork and first-hand natural history learning
Technology’s role in connecting young people with the natural world
Careers in Nature and beyond — from conservation to finance, media and the arts

Who You’ll Hear From

The speaker line-up will feature some of the most influential voices in nature and education, including:

Lizzie Daly – wildlife biologist, broadcaster, filmmaker, and conservationist
Representatives from OCR, the exam board developing the Natural History GCSE
Oxford Education Deanery Sustainability team
The Royal Society funding opportunities
Innovators such as ThoughtBox, linking Nature to leadership and wellbeing
International perspectives on nature education
Partners from visitor attractions and conservation organisations
National Nature Park – on mapping and resources for schools
Thomas Franks on sustainability and biodiversity in school food provisions

What You’ll Gain

By attending, you will:

Network with senior leaders and decision makers from across the UK
Access the latest thinking, research and practical examples
Leave with a digital implementation pack containing:
- Speaker insights and session notes
- Learning resources and classroom-ready materials
- Links to suppliers and innovators
- Intervention cards and tools to integrate nature into your setting
Gain ongoing access to a growing community of educators committed to nature-rich learning

Tickets & Early Bird Offer

Early Bird Tickets: £150
Standard Tickets: £225

Tickets include full access to all sessions, networking opportunities and catering throughout the day (sponsored by Thomas Franks).

Tip: Buy now for early bird pricing.

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Get Involved

This conference is for education leaders, decision-makers, curriculum specialists, policymakers, conservation organisations, researchers, innovators and funders who believe in the power of Nature and natural history to transform learning. Please book your tickets using the link above.

Please complete the form below to register your interest to partner with us as a sponsor. If you have any questions or suggestions, we would love to hear them. Again – please use the form below or email nature@mountkelly.com