Northern Education for Sustainability - NEST 2

Northern Education for Sustainability CIC (NEST) is a not-for-profit social enterprise working to raise awareness of environmental issues through Earth Education programmes in the North East of England.

The aim of Earth Education is for children to understand basic ecological processes, develop a sense of connection with the natural world and to make positive lifestyle changes in response to global and local ecological problems appropriate to their age.

It achieves this via programmes that engage the 'head, hands and heart'.

Key elements include:

• kinaesthetic methods make the abstract ecological concepts 'concrete' to children
• teamwork opportunities encourage social development
• quiet reflective time develops children’s personal relationship with nature
• storytelling and theatrical elements capture the children's imagination
• follow up activities in school in and at home encourage ongoing learning and lifestyle change
• ecological learning links well to the science and geography curriculum

NEST has delivered a range of Earth Education programmes in the past, including the transformative Sunship Earth 5-day residential. We are currently focussing on Earth Magic, a one day ecological adventure which continues back at school and at home throughout the academic year.

Since our initial formation in 2001 we have worked with fifteen partner organisations, over 50 schools and groups and have provided training and development for over 300 people. Our professional, qualified directors and members have been involved with Earth Education for many years and came together to promote this style of environmental education. We number teachers, environmental consultants/managers, ecological interpreters and community and site based rangers amongst our team.

Our members are fully trained to deliver the programmes, are first aid qualified and committed to continuing professional development. Our policies include DBS checks, child protection policies and risk assessments. We are fully insured for public liability.