​​In 2016, I was commissioned to develop this toolkit in collaboration with colleagues from Plantlife.

​

We’re All in the Wild is a practical guide to support practitioners working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D) to access and enjoy local outdoor spaces.

Based on learning from the We’re in the Wild project, the guide brings together the perspectives of SEN/D practitioners and outdoor professionals to help them plan, deliver, and reflect on inclusive outdoor activities. It recognises that many young people with SEN/D face barriers to accessing local green spaces, and offers realistic, adaptable guidance for working safely, creatively, and confidently in public outdoor environments.

​

Structured around a simple, cyclical model that I developed - before going outdoors, being outdoors, and after coming back in -  the guide emphasises understanding individual needs, building trust, managing risk positively, and creating meaningful learning experiences. It includes practical tips, reflective prompts, activity ideas, and real stories (“magic moments”) from practitioners and young people.

​

We’re All in the Wild is designed as a supportive, practitioner-friendly resource that encourages inclusive practice, partnership working, and confidence in taking learning beyond the classroom, helping young people to connect with nature, their communities, and themselves. 

​

It is available to download here​

Reference

Hayes, T., Faulkner, A. & Harris, F. (2016). We’re ALL in the Wild. An inclusive guide to supporting young people with SEN/D to discover their local outdoor spaces. Plantlife.