WWF £100,000 Happy By Nature fund

WWF has launched the Happy By Nature fund. This will provide 10 UK primary schools with grants worth £10,000 each to transform outdoor spaces from grey to green.

These grants will bring nature into everyday learning and play in schools. This could be greening a playground, creating a nature zone, or enhancing outdoor learning areas.

Who can apply for the Happy By Nature grants?

All state-funded infant, junior and primary schools in the UK can apply for the grants. Applications are open until Sunday 9 November via the Happy By Nature hub.

Schools selected to receive the grants will need to demonstrate: 

• Commitment to complete the project between December 2025 and December 2026  
• A current lack of quality green outdoor space  
• Strong senior leadership support for the project  
• Whole-school commitment to pupil involvement in the project 

Expert support from WWF and Learning Through Landscapes

WWF will also be working with each school to make sure their outdoor spaces meet their unique needs. They will provide expert advice, support and training for staff with Learning Through Landscapes to help create green spaces that last.

Jon Turner, head of education and families at WWF-UK, said:

“Every child deserves to experience the joy and benefits of nature as part of daily school life, but many schools are struggling to provide it.  

“Starting with the schools that need it most, the Happy By Nature fund, along with expert guidance from Learning Through Landscapes, aims to empower schools to transform their outdoor spaces and bring nature to every child, every day.” 

CEO of Learning Through Landscapes, Matt Robinson, said:

“We understand the challenges educators face in supporting pupils to connect with nature. We work to involve pupils in designing and developing quality, nature-rich spaces, while building teacher confidence through training and support. This ensures that it’s not just the green spaces that thrive, but the whole school. We’re delighted to be partnering with WWF-UK to deliver the Happy By Nature fund, embedding nature-based play in schools to support children’s wellbeing and development.” 

Success stories from Leicester pilot schools

WWF is launching these grants nationally following a successful pilot project in Leicester earlier this year. Funds were used to improve outdoor spaces and bring nature into learning and play in schools across the city. 

Naina Platt from Charnwood Primary School, said:

“Pupils from all year groups are now able to enjoy green areas and watch them flourish. We’ve even seen an increase in wildlife with a family of wrens nesting in one of our bird boxes. The children were so enthralled to watch them, and we feel they now have a greater understanding of plants, animals, and the importance of biodiversity.” 

Expressing her gratitude for the initiative, Keerti Chauhan from Bridge Junior School, added:

“The funding has meant children have spent more time outdoors, taking part in various activities such as planting vegetables and flowers, harvesting, forest schools and gardening club. It’s clear to see the positive impact it’s had, as children are happy, engaged and connecting with nature.” 

Melanie Peploe from Brook Mead Academy was equally as excited by the opportunity:

“The money allows scholars to come up with ideas for the things that we can change and have an impact. An idea we have for the future is a greenhouse made from bottles; the funds will allow us to do this and then grow food they can eat.”

Nature-based learning goes nationwide

Aiming to bring nature to one million children by 2028, WWF-UK is providing every school in the UK with access to free toolkits and practical guidance to improve nature-based learning and play via the Happy By Nature Hub.

Happy By Nature has already launched in the classroom with the first in a series of live lessons hosted by wildlife presenter and WWF Ambassador Steve Backshall.