Queen Margaret – partner to public services

Queen Margaret University’s Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail is enabling the education of a new generation in the value of the natural world for learning, life and wellbeing. Opened in 2024, it has been developed in partnership with Architecture & Design Scotland and NatureScot, which provided funding, design advice and project management support. The aim is to enhance teaching practice and upskill educators in outdoor learning, in support of recommendations from the International Council of Education Advisers.

The new resource is now used by community educators, primary teachers, early years’ practitioners and college and university lecturers across Scotland. The project has been a highly collaborative venture involving partnerships with the Edinburgh and Lothian Green Spaces Trust and Learning through Landscapes, as well as outdoor learning companies, local charities, community organisations, schools, and further and higher education institutions.

The Trail is part of the University’s overall strategy for outdoor learning and also serves as a resource to be enjoyed by the local community. The success of the project was also recognised in 2024 when it won the Inspiring Learning Places Award at the Learning Places Scotland Awards and it is a finalist in the Green Gown Awards 2025.