How to engage more deeply with the natural world
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In this episode of Instant Genius, host Jason Goodger speaks with Joe Harris, Education Manager at the Field Studies Council, about the transformative power of outdoor learning and citizen science in reconnecting people with the natural world. Harris shares how the Field Studies Council, founded over 80 years ago to bring young people from urban areas into nature, has evolved into a nationwide environmental education charity offering immersive experiences for all ages—from school field trips and university fieldwork to adult biodiversity courses and youth programs. She emphasizes that outdoor learning isn’t just for students; it’s accessible to everyone through guided walks, citizen science projects, and flexible in-person or online courses. The episode highlights the importance of hands-on, experiential education in fostering environmental stewardship, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly aware of climate change but often feel powerless. Harris champions a solution-driven approach, showing how individuals can make real contributions through projects like the Signs of Spring survey and the discovery of invasive species by young participants. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to explore free resources and join the organization’s youth panel via the Field Studies Council’s website.
Outdoor learning is for everyone—children, adults, and seniors—and can happen anytime, anywhere, even on a simple dog walk with a guidebook.
Citizen science projects like the Signs of Spring survey empower individuals to contribute meaningful data to climate and biodiversity research.
The Field Studies Council offers year-round, accessible programs from beginner to professional levels, including online and blended learning options.
Experiential, hands-on education fosters deep environmental understanding and inspires action, especially in young people overwhelmed by climate anxiety.
Nature literacy is essential across all careers—not just science—but also medicine, law, finance, and beyond.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Getting Outside
Introduces the episode’s theme: reconnecting with nature through outdoor learning and citizen science, especially in the wake of pandemic-related isolation and urban living.
The Field Studies Council: Mission and History
Joe Harris explains the origins and evolution of the Field Studies Council, from post-WWII efforts to get London youth into the countryside to its current role as a national environmental education charity.
Personal Journey and the 'Wow' Factor
“That's the thing that I love doing is seeing that realisation of how amazing the natural world is for students and everyone really.”
What Is Outdoor Learning?
Defines outdoor learning as a spectrum—from forest schools and pond studies to advanced fieldwork and adventure-based education—available to all ages and backgrounds.
Accessibility and Inclusivity Across the UK
Details how the Field Studies Council operates year-round with 14 centres across the UK and partnerships with urban parks to ensure geographic and socioeconomic access.
“The want is there, the interest is there. They just need to be given the kind of empowerment to act and shown what it is they can bring to the future.”
“You can't care about what you don't know. So we really strongly believe that in order to get people to care about the world, they have to understand it.”
“That's the thing that I love doing is seeing that realisation of how amazing the natural world is for students and everyone really.”
Host
Guest
Joe Harris
person
Field Studies Council
organization
iRecord
other
Birmingham
place
Pembrokeshire
place
Wales
place
BBC Science Focus
other
Signs of Spring Survey
other
Lake District
place
Cuckoo
other
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