Twenty-five years of outdoor education through the lens of four case studies—are we there yet?

This retrospective article examines the development of outdoor education practice over the past 25 years through four case studies. Drawing on social, economic, cultural and historical influences, each case study illuminates how outdoor education practices evolved and adapted to local educational, geographical and governmental landscapes. Analysis of the four case studies revealed a growing awareness in the field of its cultural and historical legacies, along with ongoing transformation, within and beyond them. We see a rapidly growing focus in outdoor education on health and wellbeing that recognizes the flourishing of both people and the planet. Through the development of equitable and inclusive practices, outdoor education will better serve the needs of learners in a world beset by climatic, political and health challenges. Finally, we extend an invitation to outdoor educators worldwide to reconsider a more holistic, equitable and inclusive approach to outdoor learning.