In the early stages of the project, the partners collaborated with stakeholders and experts with extensive experience in outdoor education to make the most of the schools' existing outdoor spaces. The goal was clear: to make school grounds an integrated part of the learning environment, allowing pupils to benefit from more daylight, fresh air, and hands-on learning opportunities. The project was built on a strong foundation with funding of DKK 4.3 million from the Villum Foundation and DKK 1.5 million from the municipality—a combination that made the ambitious plans possible.

Throughout the process, Norion was responsible for overall project management, ensuring alignment and cohesion across all parties. We contributed our expertise in sustainability and change processes by facilitating workshops and taking lead responsibility for key elements such as the extensive mapping of existing case studies, the development of educational materials, coordination of an ideas competition, and the preparation of practical guides for establishing outdoor learning spaces.

Workshops and creative idea exchange 

A key element of the project was the organisation of a series of workshops involving teachers, pupils, and external experts. These sessions explored concrete ways to move teaching outdoors and identified the facilities needed to support a varied and engaging learning environment. A nationwide ideas competition was also launched, giving primary schoolpupils from across the country the opportunity to present their visions for a green schoolyard. This process not only generated innovative proposals but also strengthened participation and a sense of ownership - especially for the pupils of Herlev's schools , who, through the competition, were given an active role in shaping their own learning spaces.