Strengthening Climate Education in Devon through NEED

Jude King, Communities Project and Development Manager

The Network of Environmental Educators Devon (NEED) connects a diverse group of practitioners: linking local government, schools, further and higher education, NGOs, and communities. It acts as a hub for those involved in environmental and outdoor learning, supporting sustainability efforts across the county. 

Before the pandemic, NEED members regularly met to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects but, since 2022, meetings had shifted online. To reinvigorate the network, Resource Futures – funded by Devon Climate Emergency – has been working with the steering group and wider membership, sharing resources, organising events, and developing an interactive map to help schools connect with climate educators. 

Returning to in-person engagement

This work led to NEED’s first in-person event since 2022, hosted at the newly refurbished Stover Country Park. The full-day gathering explored key topics, including: 

• Claire Moodie (Plastic Free North Devon) on the Ocean Explorers Project, the North Devon Vision 2030 initiative, and research on secondary students’ sustainability views. 
• Rebecca Skinner (Active Devon) on the role of physical activity in environmental education, youth engagement, and leadership. 
• The Local Nature Partnership (LNP) on the latest developments in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). 
• Nicki Schantz (Southwest Climate Ambassadors) on becoming a Climate Ambassador and assisting schools with developing their climate action. 

The event also included a guided tour of Stover Country Park, showcasing the Restoring Stover Park project, community spaces and workshops, and volunteering opportunities. 

Meeting the NEED for climate education

NEED’s work is especially relevant given the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. This aims for all schools to have a climate action plan and a designated sustainability lead. These initiatives align with the government’s 25-Year Environment Plan and Net Zero Strategy. 

Resource Futures has compiled several resources to help schools meet these goals. These are available on Devon County Council’s new ‘Sustainable Schools’ website.