Updating Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy: Why It Matters More Than Ever

A few years ago, I wrote about why Forest School leaders and outdoor educators need to have a clear Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) policy. You can read it here. At the time, it felt like a starting point and a way to encourage others to move beyond vague intentions and put their commitments into words.

This year, I’ve updated Muddy Puddle Club CIC’s EDI policy, and I wanted to share why.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the Heart of What We Do

For us, EDI isn’t just a tick-box exercise, in fact it’s at the heart of who we are and what we do. Forest School is about creating deep connections: with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. But those connections can only truly flourish if everyone feels they belong, if everyone feels safe, and if everyone feels valued.

The outdoors has not always been equally accessible. Too often, some groups of people have felt excluded, overlooked, or unwelcome in green spaces and outdoor learning. Part of our mission at Muddy Puddle Club is to help change that.

What’s Different About the New Policy?

The updated policy makes some more substantial commitments, including:

• Naming social justice as a core principle — our work is not just about fairness but about challenging barriers that stop people from accessing nature.

• Moving beyond “equality” towards equity — recognising that some people need more support than others to have the same opportunities.

• Explicitly including groups who may not be listed in the Equality Act 2010 but who still face barriers, such as neurodivergent people, young carers, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Strengthening accountability, with annual reviews and clear responsibilities for directors, staff, and even our trainees.

  
  

Why This Matters in Forest School

I believe Forest School has a unique role to play in creating a fairer society. When children learn outdoors, they learn more than skills: they learn about community, care, respect, and interdependence. They learn that their voice matters, that they can make choices, and that they are part of the natural world.

But this only happens when sessions are inclusive, when barriers are removed, and when difference is seen as a strength. If Forest School isn’t accessible to everyone, then we’re missing the point.

Looking Ahead

Updating this policy isn’t the end — it’s another step. I know that policies on their own don’t change the world, but they do set the standard for how we act and what we hold ourselves accountable to.

At Muddy Puddle Club, we’ll keep learning, reflecting, and improving. If you are leading a Forest School, outdoor group, or educational setting, I would encourage you to look again at your own policies and practices. Ask whether they reflect the values you want to model, and whether they truly remove barriers for those who need it most. Updating a policy isn’t just paperwork — it’s a chance to re-commit to the kind of world we want our children to grow up in. By working together, sharing resources, and holding ourselves accountable, we can create outdoor spaces that genuinely belong to everyone.

Ask: Who might be excluded here? Who isn’t represented? What can we do differently?

Because equality, diversity, and inclusion aren’t optional extras. They are the roots of social justice. And if we nurture those roots our communities will grow stronger, fairer, and more resilient.

You can read our new policy here, and you are welcome to use it as a starting point for your own EDI policies.

Equality and Diversity policy.pdf

Download PDF • 248KB