August 2014 Survey Results Anna Patel (LEEF membership intern) surveyed LEEF members to find out, what motivates and hinders them as well as what support they need from LEEF. A 5th of LEEFers took part (53 of 286 members) and it gives us an interesting insight into some of the best environmental educators in London. LEEFers work in environmental and sustainability education due to their love of nature, passion for sustainability and a wish to inspire people. This is a difficult time for environmental educators and there is deep concern about the decreasing amount of funding and resources available as well as the general lack of understanding of the value of the topics they teach. Although many LEEFers would like to continue working within the sector some feel is not financially viable and others think that it will only be possible outside of London due to the high costs living (particularly housing) and limited job opportunities within the city. LEEFers appreciate the support LEEF provides though they would like more social events and training, for example in the new National Curriculum. In addition to the work we already do we have identified the need for career advice and more free resources and training. The most popular times for LEEF events are weekday evenings, during term time and avoiding school holidays. These responses hint at a wider problem that organisations are reluctant to invest time or money into the development of environmental educators and that many are freelance or on short term contracts and that there is no clear career path available.
Response percentage (%)
What draws you to being an environmental educator?
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Love/Passion for Nature
Working with children/inspring next generation
Both
Below are some of the answers given; “Love of the outdoors and the natural world” “Wanting a job that is important and has meaning – to be able to contribute to a child’s understanding of the environment” “Spreading the word to preserve and enhance our planet’s diversity” “Recognition of the urgency and importance of environmental challenges, and knowing that education is the way I can best engage and create change” “Enjoying being outside - helping others to doing the same and connecting with what's around them”