Field Studies Council Launches +Adventure Programme to Inspire Outdoor Learning Nationwide

The Field Studies Council, a leading outdoor education charity, has unveiled plans to cultivate a nation of adventure learners through the introduction of its new +Adventure programme of school residential trips.

Initially launched at three flagship centres—Preston Montford in Shropshire, Rhyd-y-Creuau in North Wales, and Castle Head in Cumbria—the programme is set to expand across the UK in the coming months.

The +Adventure initiative integrates centre-specific outdoor activities such as canoeing, hill walking, ghyll scrambling, and climbing with targeted learning objectives and personal development opportunities for schoolchildren. This approach builds upon the charity’s 80-year legacy in environmental fieldwork and outdoor education.

Currently, the Field Studies Council hosts over 100,000 schoolchildren annually at its centres throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. With the rollout of +Adventure, visitor numbers are expected to increase significantly.

This development aligns with the government’s efforts to modernise the education curriculum, emphasising climate education, enrichment activities, and preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. It also follows the publication of the government’s first National Youth Strategy and a £500 million investment aimed at transforming youth services, including enhanced access to nature, adventure, and outdoor learning.

Matt Healey, the charity’s adventure growth lead, stated: “We are pioneering the integration of environmental learning, expert instruction, and adventure through the launch of our +Adventure programme this spring term at three key residential centres.”

He continued, “As we extend the programme nationally over the next 12 to 18 months—most of our centres are situated near National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or Sites of Special Scientific Interest—our ambition is to nurture a generation of confident and resilient adventure learners.”

Healey emphasised that the activities offered are more than mere outdoor pursuits: “Our +Adventure residentials provide opportunities for canoeing, rock climbing, ghyll scrambling, and hill walking, but these are fundamentally learning adventures. They foster personal growth, environmental stewardship, and resilience.”

“Through these experiences, pupils develop confidence, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and stronger interpersonal relationships. Our philosophy ensures that adventure is embedded within educational learning rather than appended to it.”

He illustrated this integration: “For example, when students engage in rock climbing, they are not only challenging themselves physically but also learning about the geological formations that make climbing safe. Similarly, canoeing downriver may include identifying bird songs or recording dragonfly species.”

This holistic approach combines fieldwork skills, nature connectedness, personal and social development, and a passion for outdoor learning. “If future generations are to become effective environmental guardians, they must spend time outdoors, connected to nature,” Healey concluded.

Joy Blizzard, communication and policy officer at the charity, added: “The outdoor education sector is evolving rapidly, and our +Adventure programme directly addresses the government’s call for enrichment, life skills, practical work, climate education, personal growth, and access to nature for young people.”

All education staff leading the +Adventure programme are trained to guide young people through structured challenges and shared experiences designed to build confidence, deepen self-trust, and strengthen self-belief.

For further information about +Adventure residential trips, visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/adventure-residential-trips/.