In collaboration with professional teachers and educational advisors, artist Paul Goodrick has developed and is running courses for teachers, artists, and anyone associated with the natural environment to help them get deeply in touch with nature through art.

The courses take place in many outdoor locations throughout the UK and Europe - woodland settings, beaches, school grounds, or even indoors, and they are often part of the Artist's Residencies which Paul does at nature reserves, historic gardens and schools. They use art as a means of exploring other subjects, working together, drawing and sculpting. Natural materials or other media are used, which may be available on the site - with reference to "sustainability" and focus on the world around us, seeing it through different sensory channels. They are truly cross-curricular, and are very successful as in-service training days (INSET), for team working and lateral thinking. They are supported by many organisations such as English Nature, the Wildlife Trust, the Arts Council, Kent County Council, Creative Partnerships UK and Environmental Education Centres.See also Willow sculpture courses

Comments from participants about Paul's Environmental Art Courses:

"A really enjoyable and rewarding day. Excellent staff - relaxed and helpful. By far, the best course I have ever attended."

"Fantastically inspiring - extremely hospitable staff."

"Outstanding delivery and structure - a rich experience."

"Very friendly course tutor and students."

"Relaxed atmosphere and great to see opportunities available on the site."

"An excellent day."

"Great to listen to an expert who is able to use the language and terminology of art with authority and understanding - and good to be in the position of the children to realise how demanding some tasks are."

"A very enjoyable and informative day."

"One of the best courses that I've attended."

"Great to go to a hands on course...where the approach of the tutor and experience of the day lends itself to thinking "How will I best do this with my children?"."

"It was a wonderful, relaxing and fun day."

"A warm, friendly and informative tutor."

"Lots of ideas and stimuli for future work in the classroom."

"Helpful information on ways of getting around problems raised i.e. in erecting a sculpture - encouraging team involvement."

"Strengths of the course - everything, practical, inspirational, couldn't be improved"

"Excellent. Very practical and fun!"

"The strengths of the session were creativity, team work, and a stronger understanding of nature and how to make it work within art."

"Very inspiring."

"Excellent session - a must for all teachers!"

"The whole day was fun - best course I have ever been on!"