Nature School in Kashmir teaches children through wetlands
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Advocate Nadeem Qadri founded a Nature School in Pampore, Jammu & Kashmir, to educate children by immersing them in the local environment.
Every Sunday, around 30 children gather in meadows near wetlands, learning without fees, exams, or a set syllabus. The school aims to address the degradation of Kashmir’s ecosystems and provide a stress-free learning space for young people.
Children at the Nature School learn through observation and exploration, studying the plants, birds, and water systems of nearby Chatlam, Fashkoori, and Manibugh wetland reserves. They participate in activities like painting, reading, and discussions about conservation, guided by environmental science graduates and volunteers. Beyond ecology, the school fosters confidence and social skills. It creates an inclusive environment where students from different backgrounds can interact, share ideas, and practice public speaking.
Female mentors address safety concerns and encourage girls' participation in environmental advocacy. The Nature School relies on volunteers and community support to operate, building a sense of local pride in the region’s natural heritage. The school has already impacted hundreds of children, instilling in them a commitment to protecting Kashmir’s water resources. Organizers hope that other communities will adopt this model of experiential, nature-based learning.
