Nacro Greater Manchester Outdoor Learning
We are passionate about the powerful nature of active learning outside, and the many and far-reaching benefits for lifelong learning. Nacro Greater Manchester Outdoor Learning, is a service designed to support personal development by encouraging critical thinking, problem solving skills, and learning to work as part of a team.
Our team delivers quality outside learning for schools, colleges, the voluntary sector, the community and local authorities. We work with children, young people and adults.
What is outdoor learning?
Outdoor learning is a broad term that includes outdoor play, environmental education, adventure activities and encompasses team building skills and personal development in the outdoors. We deliver a range of fun, adventure and challenging inclusive activities, which ensure a holistic approach to outdoor learning.
We have a broad range of exciting activities available throughout, including:
- outdoor sports e.g. hillwalking, kayaking, canoeing, bike riding
- bushcraft and conservation
- outdoor cooking
- bike maintenance
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- John Muir Award
Benefits of outdoor learning
Engagement with nature and the outdoors is hugely beneficial for physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. Outdoor learning has shown a positive impact for people looking to develop their personal and social skills.
Our outdoor learning programme is designed to build a learner’s confidence and resilience through positive risk taking, all within a safe and nurturing environment. Giving individuals a sense of community and learning to work as part of a team.
Outdoor Summer Holiday Club
Activities include walking, cycling, conservation, bushcraft, cooking and orienteering. Breakfast and lunch provided.
Venue – Nacro Outdoor Learning, Wythenshawe Park Horticultural Centre, Wythenshawe
Free for children on free school meals living in Manchester plus a limited number of paid for places available each day for children not on free school meals.
Please book here via the MCRActive Go portal https://www.mcractive.com/provider/833
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Centre
We provide an open award centre for young people aged 14–24.
You can do your Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award with us if you can’t do it at school or at college. A DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. If you feel there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa playing video games, come and join us.
Frequently asked questions
All of our activities are outside and adventures are often muddy so we recommend wearing clothes suitable for the weather outside and that are OK get mucky. We have spare outdoor clothing available to borrow as well, so don’t hesitate to ask if a waterproof jacket or boots are needed.
We are always looking for people to help out with our activities. If you have an interest or are looking to gain experience in youth work or outdoor learning, we would love to hear from you. You just need enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.  Please email us at outdoors@nacro.org.uk for more info and to sign up.
Volunteering with us is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and qualifications while also having a great time outdoors.
Our main base is at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester but we also work in local schools and do trips out to surrounding areas such as the Peak District and the Pennines.
Please just drop us an email at outdoors@nacro.org.uk and we’ll get back to you.
Partners and funders
Donate to our Nacro Nature Classroom Bus
We are very excited to have been gifted an old yellow school bus and are on a mission to turn it into a nature classroom and quiet space for use with our groups in Wythenshawe Park. Turning it into an exciting learning environment will cost £10,000 and that’s where we need your help. Donate today and support us in transforming young people’s lives.
Video: Outdoor Learning
Beth, who works in our Outdoor Learning project in Manchester, discusses the service and what it’s like working there.
If you'd like more information, or work for a school or youth group in Manchester and want to your students involved, email us.