Learning about Ecosystems and Forests
USING NATURE AS A CLASSROOM
Learning about Ecosystems and Forests (LEAF) advocates for outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, allowing students to connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.
While the LEAF programme started with a focus on tree-based ecosystems and sustainable forest use, today it includes a diversity of ecosystems to foster skills and knowledge by exposing learners to outdoor experiences.
LEAF is implemented in 28 countries and operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Become a #GenerationRestoration School
Inspire your students. Restore nature . Join a global movement for our planet’s ecosystems.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), in partnership with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, is supporting schools worldwide to take meaningful action for nature. By becoming a #GenerationRestoration School, your school will join a global effort to stop and reverse ecosystem degradation, while gaining access to inspiring learning materials, hands-on activities and other opportunities for students and educators.
From early years to higher education settings, and from small corners of the school grounds to wider community green spaces, every learner and every educator has a role to play in restoring nature.
LEAF Scrapbook
Explore Ecosystems and Forests with the new LEAF Scrapbook 🌿
Discover the wonders of ecosystems and forests through LEAF’s brand-new Scrapbook, inspired by the animated series Moley. This creative resource invites students and educators to connect with nature using LEAF’s four steps — Look and Observe, Explore, Analyse, and Function and Flourish.
Through curiosity, creativity, and play, you can:
🌱 Explore the outdoors and connect with your surroundings
🍃 Get creative with storytelling, poetry, and drawing
🌿 Learn about forests, wildlife, and ecosystems — and how to help them thrive
Join the 2026 GLOBAL ACTION DAYS✨
Since 2015, FEE has been coordinating the annual Global Action Days campaign. Every year, this campaign mobilises the power of our global network and demonstrates how our individual actions, both small and large, can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
From 22 April – 6 May 2026, Global Action Days 2026 will aim mobilise 1 million people across 150+ countries bringing global attention to the critical link between climate change and access to safe, nutritious and sustainable food.
Institutions from all over the world from our educational programmes and non-FEE institutions register to take part in these action-packed two weeks!
Outdoor Education activities for schools, using nature as a classroom
This Learning about Ecosystems and Forests (LEAF) publication contains twenty-three examples of activities that have been implemented all over the world through the Learning about Forest Programme. By collecting and sharing these stories we aim to promote outdoor education, inspiring schools and teachers on how to use nature as a classroom.
JOIN FEE ACADEMY!
The Foundation for Environmental Education has launched FEE Academy, an online learning platform offering a number of free courses for students, teachers, and National Operators. The LEAF programme currently has four courses available!
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