A new pilot project, funded by Sport England, is set to transform after-school provision in 10 primary schools across Greater Manchester by developing learning and play in natural environments. The Active Learning & Play in Natural Environments (ALPINE) project is a collaborative initiative between the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) and Canal & River Trust (CRT), aimed at addressing the growing crisis in children’s physical and mental health through the power of outdoor activity.
After school clubs (ASCs), often confined to indoor spaces, tend to take place at the end of a long school day when energy levels are low. ALPINE seeks to reimagine these clubs by incorporating fun, active, and engaging outdoor learning experiences using school grounds and the local area.
The project builds on the successful Waterways, Wildlife, and Wellbeing (WWW) initiative, as well as Canal & River Trust’s existing Explorers and Let’s Go Outdoors programmes. With a strong evidence base linking outdoor activity to improved physical health, mental wellbeing, and educational engagement, ALPINE aims to support schools in redesigning their after-school clubs to make the most of their natural surroundings
Key objectives of the ALPINE project include:
- Supporting schools to develop and embed outdoor active learning and play into after-school provision within their school grounds and local area.
- Increasing physical activity levels of students and staff through walking-based activities, orienteering, nature games, and environmental projects.
- Improving wellbeing and learning outcomes.
- Creating a sustainable model that schools can continue beyond the pilot.
- Sharing best practices and showcasing case studies at the CLOtC National Conference in Leeds in November 2025.
Participating schools will receive a grant of £1,500, CPD training and support to help ASC staff confidently plan and lead sessions outdoors. This will include online and in-person support from an experienced project officer, resources, and free CLOtC Membership.
Evaluation will play a key role, with pedometers, surveys, and wellbeing assessments providing insight into what works and how it can be scaled.
"Play and learning in natural environments improves health, wellbeing, learning, socio-emotional and environmental outcomes. We are excited to start working with schools on this project to find out what will help their after-school clubs build the confidence to deliver engaging, energetic, and educational activities in the natural spaces in their school grounds and local areas."
Get involved!
Recruitment for schools begins in June 2025, and interested schools are encouraged to express their interest early.
For more information and to express interest in taking part, primary schools in Greater Manchester can find out more and register their interest here.
