The Open Awards Level 1 & 2 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing is a GCSE-equivalent qualification, designed with neurodiverse and home-educated learners in mind.
Starting 13th October 2025
You can enrol using the button below:
Created by Forest School leaders, Therapists, and Clinical Psychologists, it helps young people develop a deep understanding of nature connection while supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
Equivalent to a GCSE, this is the first qualification in the UK in Nature Connection and Wellbeing. It's a future-focused qualification that prepares young people for two of the world’s fastest-growing needs: mental health and wellbeing support and the green economy.
In a world where mental health challenges are rising, time spent outdoors is decreasing, and the need for environmental action has never been greater, this qualification provides young people with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.
This qualification bridges the gap between mainstream education and the therapeutic benefits of nature-based learning, capturing progress that isn't easily measured by traditional academic subjects.
This qualification also opens doors to further study and careers in outdoor education, conservation, mental health, and wellbeing-focused roles, making it a valuable stepping stone for the future.
Young people explore the science of nature connection, understanding how it supports mental and physical wellbeing.
They learn about the five pathways to nature connection, while developing practical skills in mindfulness, grounding techniques, and pro-environmental behaviours.
Each term, learners receive a Nature Connection Box, delivered directly to their home, filled with practical, hands-on activities designed to bring their learning to life. These boxes provide a sensory, engaging way to explore key concepts, making the course interactive and immersive rather than purely theoretical.
By working with natural materials and completing real-world nature-based tasks, learners can deepen their understanding, build a personal connection to nature, and reinforce what they’re studying in a way that feels exciting and meaningful.
The Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Nature Connection and Wellbeing are flexible and accessible, designed to recognise each learner’s strengths without the pressure of exams.
Instead, students complete a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating their understanding through practical tasks, observations, and reflections.
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and have a range of needs, our young people aged 11-18 include those who are home educated, in alternative education or alongside traditional education, with a range of mental health needs, special educational needs and disabilities, communication needs and preferences.
Want to chat with our team?
Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades 3, 2, 1
To enrol in Level 1 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing, learners must be aged 11 or over. There are no other entry requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
If your child has SEND that affects their ability to understand conceptual information, we encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss whether this qualification is suitable for their individual needs.
Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4
To enrol in Level 2 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing, learners must have previously studied at Level 1 and be at least 12 years of age.
Learners who are currently studying our Level 1 in Conservation, even if they have not yet completed it, can gain automatic acceptance into Level 2 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing.
If a learner has not studied at Level 1 but wishes to enrol directly at Level 2, we ask that you get in touch with our team. We will arrange a short phone assessment to determine whether Level 1 or Level 2 is the most suitable starting point for them.
Unit 1: Introduction to Nature Connection
This unit introduces the concept of nature connection and its benefits. Students will explore their personal relationship with nature through creative reflection exercises and learn about the five pathways to nature connection. Hands-on nature activities will help students understand the importance of meaningful experiences over time spent outdoors.
Unit 2: Understanding Nature Connection and Wellbeing
This unit examines how nature contributes to both physical and mental health. Students will explore mindfulness and its role in nature connection, practise nature-based mindfulness activities, and learn about how nature metaphors can express emotions. The unit concludes with the creation of a personalised wellbeing plan incorporating nature-based strategies.
Unit 3: Nature Connection and Pro-Environmental Behaviours
This unit focuses on how a strong connection to nature can inspire actions that benefit the environment.
Students will learn about pro-environmental behaviours, participate in a conservation project, and explore green jobs that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Unit 1: Understanding Nature Connection
This unit introduces the concept of nature connection and its role in physical and mental wellbeing. Students will explore the five pathways to nature connection through practical activities, learn about the neuroscience behind mindfulness and grounding, and review research on eco-anxiety.
Unit 2: Measuring Nature Connection
Students will learn how nature connectedness is measured and what factors influence it. They will assess their own nature connection using established scales, reflect on their results, and set goals to deepen their relationship with nature. The unit also explores the real-world applications of measuring nature connectedness in areas such as mental health, education, and conservation.
Unit 3: Urban Nature and Community Wellbeing
This unit focuses on the challenges and benefits of engaging with nature in urban environments. Students will analyse urban nature initiatives, participate in nature-based activities, and reflect on how these experiences impact their wellbeing and sense of community.
Unit 4: Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviours & Green Jobs
Students will explore how nature connection influences pro-environmental actions and conservation efforts. They will measure their own conservation behaviours, engage in a hands-on environmental project, and examine the role of public action in driving environmental change. The unit also introduces green jobs and the importance of nature connection in sustainability-focused careers.
Total Cost: The total cost for the course is £585, which includes weekly classes, 10 Wildlife and Conservation Activity Boxes, tutor support, and all qualification fees.
Flexible Payment Plan: You can choose a payment plan with 12 payments of £49 spread over a year, making it more accessible.
Value for Money: This course provides a recognised qualification equivalent to a GCSE (grades 1-3), along with hands-on activities delivered to your door via our letterbox activity boxes and expert support.
The Level 1 offers an accessible, reflective introduction through creative activities, nature-based mindfulness, and simple conservation actions. It is an ideal first qualification for those aged 11+ and has no other entry requirements.
For the Level 1 Award, assessments are broken down into weekly activities ranging from practical nature connecting activities to completing a small workbook definition activity, online short quizzes and designing a poster. For each activity, we provide options to complete using a computer, a scribe, through videos or voice notes.
Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades 3, 2, 1
To enrol in Level 1 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing, learners must be aged 11 or over. There are no other entry requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
If your child has SEND that affects their ability to understand conceptual information, we encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss whether this qualification is suitable for their individual needs.
Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4
The Level 2 builds on this foundation with more structured, evidence-informed content — introducing scientific research, behavioural measurement, and community-based environmental work. It is open to those aged 12+ and ideal for those who have already studied at Level 1.
If you would like to enrol your child directly onto a Level 2 qualification, we recommend you book a short assessment call so that we can ensure it is delivered at the right level for your child.
For the Level 2 Award, we will be completing 5 projects broken down into weekly activities including practical activities and project-based activities. For each activity, we provide options to complete using a computer, a scribe, through videos or voice notes.
The Level 1 and 2 in Nature Connection and Wellbeing is an innovative approach, blending a GCSE-level qualification with wellbeing support.
Right now, 1 in 5 young people has a diagnosed mental health condition, and this number is rising. This qualification teaches practical tools for resilience, emotional regulation, and connection with nature, helping young people manage stress and maintain wellbeing.
The Level 1 Award in Conservation or the Level 2 Conservation Programme can be studied alongside the Nature Connection and Wellbeing Award or as an individual option. A £200 discount is available for those who study both an Award in Conservation and Nature Connection.
The Conservation awards focuses on the systems side. It builds environmental knowledge, ecological understanding, and practical tools for protecting habitats, tackling climate change, and promoting sustainable practices.
The UK Government's 25-Year Environment Plan highlights the importance of reconnecting people with nature for wellbeing and sustainability.
This qualification directly supports these goals, helping young people develop a deeper connection to the natural world while preparing them for careers in conservation, outdoor education, and sustainability. As demand for green jobs grows, this qualification gives young people a head start in future-focused careers.
Each week, there is one 30 minute live session with course tutor Caspian Jamie. During this session, we cover key concepts and vocabulary from the upcoming week. This session is recorded and students do not need to attend the session live. They are able to catch up in their own time. Students may join the session without their camera and microphone on.
Each week, there are a further 2-3 short pre-recorded videos to access in your own time via the learning platform and activities to complete with evidence that can be uploaded into your Google folder as you build your portfolio. There are no live sessions or learning during half-terms and holidays however there are extension activities that can be accessed during these times. We explore a themed Celebration Day each month such as World Animal Day and World Soil Day. There are a range of ways to celebrate these days with a variety of activities that support individuals to contribute to the wider community.