Learning through Landscapes

Learning through Landscapes (LtL) is a UK charity which promotes children's outdoor learning and play through improved use and design of school playgrounds. Started in 1990 as the output of a research project, the charity soon grew in response to the demand from schools and funders.

The organisation was founded by Merrick Denton-Thompson OBE FLI who was also president of the Landscape Institute. Their founding board member was Sir David Attenborough, who remains one the patrons to this day.

LtL was a founding partner of the Scottish 'Grounds for Learning Project' funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. Scottish Natural Heritage has remained a main partner of LtL in Scotland for 25 years. Grounds for Learning was renamed 'LtL Scotland' in 2019 and maintains an office in Stirling.

Learning through Landscapes has been involved with many projects including: Local School Nature Grants (in partnership with Peoples Postcode Lottery), The Scottish Natural Play project, Fruitfull Schools, Fruitful Communities,<ref, https://www.ltl.org.uk/projects/pollination/ My School My Planet and Forest Kindergarten.

A current focus of the organisation is around climate education and adaptation of school grounds. This work has led to significant projects such as Climate Ready School Grounds and Climate School 180.

LtL offers many free outdoor lesson ideas, outdoor learning training and advice.

LtL operates from two offices, one in Winchester and one in Stirling.

The charity has been involved in many publications on behalf of local and national government, notably in School Grounds Design for DfEE and The Good School Playground Guide for the Scottish Government. The organisation continues to work with and call for improved guidance on the design, construction and maintenance of school grounds as a vital element of all children's school experience.

In 2023, LtL became the global lead for Outdoor Classroom Day, having led the early work of 'School Grounds Month' and partnered to deliver Outdoor Classroom day in the UK and Ireland since its inception.

LtL was one of the founder members of the International School Grounds Alliance having hosted the first International School Grounds conference in Hampshire in 2010.

Its patrons are: Sir David Attenborough and Jonathon Porritt.