Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK to consult new natural-history GCSE, “greenlightenment” push

9/9/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Steve Backshall and Sir Tim Smit call for “greenlightenment” to embed nature education in schools.
The UK government is consulting on a new natural-history GCSE, described as a “seismic moment”.
A Heligan survey of 1,004 English families found 55% of children never climbed a tree.
Backshall says nature revitalises people, making youth happier, healthier and more likely to address planetary problems.

1 of 1

Story summary

Steve Backshall and Sir Tim Smit call for “greenlightenment” to embed nature education in schools.
The UK government is consulting on a new natural-history GCSE, described as a “seismic moment”.
A Heligan survey of 1,004 English families found 55% of children never climbed a tree.
Backshall says nature revitalises people, making youth happier, healthier and more likely to address planetary problems.