Teacher training

teachers at an event in the Museum garden, examining a tree

Free nature and environment skills and knowledge training for teachers

Young people are increasingly concerned about human impacts on nature and the environment. Natural History is also becoming more of a focus of science education with the upcoming introduction of a new GCSE.

To support you to prepare young people with skills and knowledge for tackling the future issues of a changing planet and to empower them to take action for their local nature, the Natural History Museum and partners across the UK invite you to join our free programme of teacher professional development opportunities. 

Training from museums in your local area

Museums are working directly with teachers to explore practical approaches that can be applied in a range of outdoor contexts with students of different ages, and with curriculum links to the age you teach.

Each museum has in-person skills sessions and opportunities to learn more about nature specific to your local area, so check the list below for the one closest to you.

With contributions from outdoor teaching experts Learning through Landscapes, climate science and communication specialists at the Grantham Institute, and scientists and museum education experts from across the U.K., we aim to provide participating teachers with access to the latest natural history research, alongside take-home activities and equipment to put it into practice.

Online training

Not close enough to a museum? No problem - look out for sign up to our self-paced online course available through STEM Learning.

Regional in-person training

  • North/North West - Leeds Museums and Galleries

    We have an ongoing, open-access teacher CPD programme covering different subject specialisms, topics and age ranges – including the natural world and taking learning outdoors.

    We also think that a lot can be learnt in a one-to-one chat over a cup of tea, and if there’s tea, we’re there!

    Contact us for details on the latest formal CPD programmes, or get in touch with a specific enquiry or learning need and we’ll see how we can help. Contact: kate.fellows@leeds.gov.uk  

  • South/South East – Natural History Museum, London

    London in-person training - Hyde Park

    • 30 April
    • 18 July

    Content will be focused on nature and ecology in London, practical ideas for immediate use with students, logistical and advocacy support for outdoor learning and overcoming barriers to students engaging with nature and climate science.

    For more details and to register a place contact exploreurbannature@nhm.ac.uk quoting ‘Teacher CPD’ in the subject line.

In partnership with

Contact us

If you have any questions about the programme, you can email us at: ExploreUrbanNature@nhm.ac.uk

Elsewhere on our website

Explore: Urban Nature

We’re challenging students across the UK to better understand the nature in our towns and cities. For ages 9-14.

We have teaching resources, regional workshops and teacher CPD.

Youth Worker Toolkit

This free downloadable toolkit lists activities and ideas that you can use with young people to explore nature in cities.

Learning resources

A selection of resources to support Museum visits and classroom teaching.

Naturally Curious

Learn about cutting-edge scientific research from our leading experts with a new series of on-demand courses designed for anyone interested in the natural world, regardless of skill level. 

Each course is available for £49.99

Funding

We thank all funders to the Urban Nature Project campaign so far, including those who wish to remain anonymous, for their generous support. We recognise the following funders for their exceptional contributions to the campaign:

Explore urban nature funders logos