Outdoor education is often framed as a return to something essential: fresh air, freedom of movement, connection to the natural world. Yet many outdoor programs continue to operate within systems shaped by colonial values, even as they seek to resist them. Land is frequently treated as a neutral setting for learning rather than a living entity with history, meaning, and ongoing stewardship. Decolonising outdoor education asks us to pause and examine these contradictions, and

Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have to help children make sense of the world. At Saplings, we often turn to books that reflect our values: deepening our relationship with the natural world, learning to navigate big feelings, and celebrating every child's unique identity. Below is a selection of recommended children's books that nurture curiosity, empathy, and connection—on the page and beyond. Nature Connection The Hike by Alison Farrell - Three friends head o