The Society advises government and other policymakers on high-quality, safe fieldwork and outdoor education for all. 

We believe in the importance of working in the field at every level, from school visits in your local area to advanced long-term international research projects.  The Society is an internationally renowned, independent expert voice on this area. 

Anecdotal evidence has pointed to a decline in outdoor learning at the school level due to a fear of litigation after accidents and the cost of providing visits.  This has become a key policy area and the society supports the Real World Learning campaign to remove barriers to out-of-classroom learning.

We advise government using the expertise of our fieldwork researchers and members. Our policy work is also informed by the first-hand experience of advising and training teachers, parents, students and youth leaders to participate in a wide range of outdoor education and fieldwork activities.

The Society submitted both written and oral evidence and to the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee on the decline of school visits and fieldwork in 2004.  The Committee's final report led to a government manifesto on outdoor education.