UWTSD Marks Wales Outdoor Learning Week with Hands-On Activities in Nature

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) recently celebrated Wales Outdoor Learning Week 2025 with a series of practical, outdoor-based learning experiences designed to inspire both university students and local school pupils.

Throughout the week, UWTSD staff and students embraced the national theme of ‘Ambitious and Capable Learners’ by delivering creative and engaging sessions in natural settings. Activities took place at Yr Egin’s community garden and the Carmarthen campus Sports Hall, highlighting the University’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

These sessions exemplify UWTSD’s dedication to integrating outdoor learning into its curriculum. The University’s approach aligns closely with the goals of Wales Outdoor Learning Week, which has been celebrated annually since 2019 to promote the mental, physical, and social benefits of outdoor education.

Two garden workshops were held at Yr Egin, led by UWTSD’s Early Years lecturer Glenda Tinney and Yr Egin’s Engagement Manager, Llinos Jones, with support from UWTSD Early Years students. Pupils from Johnstown Primary School and Model Church in Wales School participated in a nature-based session exploring gardening and the natural world.

Reflecting on the sessions, Glenda Tinney said:

“Having a garden and other outdoor space to bring students to engage with the importance of outdoor learning is so important for early childhood students. Exploring,  being curious, and having authentic experiences in the natural world are key to young children’s development. Our students benefit from having these experiences so they can experience the outdoors themselves and understand how significant it is.  It allows students to see how children’s holistic development is uniquely supported outdoors and to try ideas and engage in play.

“ Yr Egin’s garden has allowed us to bring children from local schools to explore and get involved in developing the garden. It really helps put the classroom theory into practice. More importantly, for both children and our students, the experiences are fun and support their well-being. Outdoor learning week reminds us how crucial it is for all of us to get outside and explore. We look forward to more experiences in future, so we use the outdoors regularly throughout the term to support students’ learning.”

Llinos Jones, Yr Egin’s Engagement Manager, adds:

“It’s inspiring to see students engaging directly with real communities and schoolchildren, putting their work into practice in meaningful ways. The opportunity to co-deliver workshops helps them develop confidence, imagination, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. The garden is a fantastic space for learning and connection, and one of our key aims at Yr Egin is to fuse creative imagination and nurture future talents. It’s a pleasure to provide such a great opportunity to support the local schools and also UWTSD students on their journey and see creativity and learning thrive in such a collaborative environment.”

Meanwhile, a separate activity at the Sports Hall involved students from the Physical Education and Outdoor Adventure Education programmes. Led by lecturers Heddwen Davies and Mache Treviño, the event served both as a contribution to Outdoor Learning Week and as part of a practical assessment for UWTSD students.

Primary pupils from Ysgol Llangynnwr took part in a range of activities, including map reading, problem solving, bouldering, and den building. Heddwen said:

“Our aim is to build students’ confidence in facilitating outdoor learning. Welcoming local schoolchildren to participate in real-life sessions strengthens their practical skills and prepares them for future roles as educators and leaders in outdoor education.”