Wakehurst
The Clean Planet Tent
Inspiring over a thousand more young minds through outdoor science and sustainability education
The Clean Planet Tent is a new flagship education initiative from Clean Planet Foundation, in partnership with Wakehurst – Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex. This purpose-built stretch tent expands Wakehurst’s existing outdoor classroom offering, enabling an extra 1,000 students per year to experience hands-on learning in nature.
Set in the heart of 535 acres of meadows, woodlands and wetlands, the new tent helps bring plant biology, seed science, wildlife, and climate education to life – right in the landscape itself.
>> Expanded Partnership announced with Nature Connectedness <<
Background
Wakehurst already welcomes over 12,000 students annually from across the South East and beyond. These curriculum-linked sessions are led by a dedicated teaching team and tailored to every age and ability – from Early Years to A Level.
With the addition of the Clean Planet Tent, Wakehurst can now run five extra sessions per week, welcoming new schools and reaching even more students in a unique natural setting.
This is outdoor education, rain or shine – science in its most inspiring classroom.
The Clean Planet Tent @ Wakehurst
Project Aims
01
Support outdoor learning with a dedicated, weather-resistant education space.
02
Enable Wakehurst to welcome 1,000 more students per year.
03
Deliver five new curriculum-linked sessions weekly across all age groups.
04
Promote sustainability and biodiversity education through immersive, hands-on experiences.
About Wakehurst
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald. Spanning 535 acres of meadows, temperate woodlands and wetlands, it is home to one of the UK’s most important plant collections and Kew's Millennium Seed Bank – the largest wild plant seed bank in the world.
Known as a living laboratory, Wakehurst is a national hub for biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem research. Through its education programme, it connects over 10,000 students a year with nature and science – with the Clean Planet Tent ensuring this number continues to grow.
To get in touch with the Wakehurst Education team, please get in contact with wakehurstschools [@] kew.org
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and also...
Nature Connectedness
Wakehurst expands offer of Nature Connectedness teacher training in partnership with Clean Planet Foundation
A new partnership between Clean Planet Foundation and Wakehurst will enable 100 more teachers across the UK to access bespoke Nature Connectedness training. Building on a successful pilot, the expanded sessions are led by expert facilitators and grounded in cutting-edge research from Wakehurst’s Nature Unlocked programme.
Designed to boost wellbeing and inspire environmental action, the training equips educators to confidently lead pupils in meaningful nature engagement, whether at Wakehurst, in schools, or local green spaces.
Background
The Nature Connectedness training is informed by Wakehurst’s pioneering research exploring how time spent in biodiverse landscapes can measurably improve mental health and increase pro-environmental attitudes.
Delivered in two-hour sessions, the programme introduces educators to simple, evidence-based activities they can integrate into everyday lessons, helping pupils build a deeper, more emotional relationship with the natural world. Sessions are flexible and can take place at Wakehurst, in school grounds or any local green space, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of settings.
Nature Connectedness Teacher Training
Project Aims
01
Equip educators with practical tools for nature-based learning.
03
Improve wellbeing through meaningful engagement with natural spaces.
02
Inspire young people to connect emotionally with the environment.
04
Embed Nature Connectedness research into everyday teaching practice.
