The “Let’s Go Outdoors” initiative has demonstrably succeeded in fostering stronger family bonds with nature and boosting wellbeing by activating local canal spaces. Our evidence-based approach and community engagement have yielded positive outcomes for participants, effectively addressing a crucial need for accessible wellbeing activities.
A key strength lies in our commitment to rigorous evaluation, allowing for continuous refinement and laying a solid foundation for expansion. Looking ahead, we’ve identified strategic opportunities to amplify our impact through targeted improvements: enhancing canal-side amenities, broadening activity awareness through a robust marketing strategy, deepening school partnerships, and proactively addressing accessibility in urban settings.
Project Deliverables
Initial deliverables set by CRT:
| Deliverable | Status |
| a. Relationship building – with families/partners/schools, who will help us to identify need and the people who would benefit most from taking part. | Delivered |
| b. Consultation and co-creation – with our identified target audiences to develop and trial a bespoke programme of nature connectedness activities. We see this as a ‘test & learn’ project which we can share with colleagues nationally. | Delivered |
| c. Delivery of trial Let’s Go Outdoors – activity sessions in at least two outdoor locations, so that they can be evaluated and refined. Risk Assessments must be provided. | Delivered |
| d. Production of a series of web-based Let’s Go Outdoors activities – all text, illustrations and design to be included. Web based activities will be housed on the Explorers website for downloading by families, schools and groups. | Delivered |
| e. An evaluation report assessing the suggested activities – using our Child & Youth Tool and the Nature Connectedness Index to measure impact. Support will be provided by our Research & Insight team. | Delivered |
| f. Training for staff and volunteers – on how to deliver the activities, including a webinar (to be recorded) and handouts. | Dates to be agreed |
| g. A detailed cost plan -for rolling out the Let’s Go Outdoor activities which could be used in potential funding applications. | Delivered |
Participant feedback demonstrates that all participants who completed pre- and post-session surveys identified an improvement in their wellbeing. Questions around connectedness to their local area, feelings of confidence, calm, and safety all showed improvements by the end of the session.
The forthcoming large-scale rollout, with the CRT generously supported by Sport England, represents an exciting phase. “Let’s Go Outdoors” stands poised to make a substantial and lasting contribution to the health, wellbeing and appreciation of our canal environments for children and families across a wider reach.