The recent announcement that young people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to take a new GCSE in natural history, driven by a campaign led by naturalist Mary Colwell, is welcome news.
The new qualification will include practical skills to pursue a career in the natural world, including observation, monitoring, recording and analysis. It will also include immersion in outdoor activities, and has support from the Natural History Museum, the Field Studies Council and the Wildlife Trusts.
