A British lawmaker has proposed legislation aimed at integrating outdoor lessons into the weekly school curriculum to support children’s mental health. Caroline Voaden, a Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, advocates for schools to hold at least one academic class outdoors each week, along with encouraging pupils to spend a minimum of 30 minutes outside daily.

Voaden’s Outdoor Education Bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Commons on October 16. The MP emphasized the urgency of the issue, urging education authorities to move beyond obstacles like weather concerns and simply implement the changes.

Drawing on her personal experience, Voaden noted that spending time in nature was a crucial factor in her own mental well-being following the death of her husband, Nick, from oesophageal cancer when she was 34. She relocated with her two daughters to South Devon in 2003 and believes that outdoor activities have since played a significant role in their mental health.

Highlighting statistics underscoring the growing mental health challenges among youth, Voaden pointed out a 36% increase in emergency room visits related to mental health for children aged six to 17 between 2019 and 2025. She criticized contemporary routines that confine children indoors, often connected to screens from morning until night, which she contends contributes to the mental health crisis.

Voaden argues that outdoor education can benefit children who may struggle within traditional classroom settings, enabling them to engage with subjects such as English, history, and maths in a more stimulating environment. Her bill also calls for at least one residential outdoor trip during students’ schooling to foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of achievement. She said such experiences can help children confront academic challenges with renewed determination, citing examples of students overcoming physical obstacles on outdoor excursions.

The proposed legislation aims to promote a holistic approach to education by integrating nature-based learning as a tool for improving mental health and overall well-being among young people.