Dr Naomi Holmes

Profile

Biography

I am a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Education, based jointly in the Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York. Prior to this I was an Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Education at Sheffield Hallam University. My research and teaching are strongly linked and focus on how we engage with, and learn in, about, and for the environment.

Research

Overview

My research is interdisciplinary and focuses on:

• Environmental education: using experiential education to deepen understanding and promote engagement with the natural world. 
• Outdoor and adventure learning: exploring the pedagogy and practical application of outdoor and adventure-based learning.
• Fieldwork learning: enhancing student engagement and improving accessibility and inclusivity in the field.

PhD enquiries: I welcome enquiries from potential doctoral researchers interested in any of the above areas.

Projects

Adventure Learning Evaluation (2025-2028)

The evidence base for the impact of outdoor and adventure learning interventions on pupil outcomes is limited. Funded by the Education Endowment Foundation this project evaluates two interventions targeting Year 9 pupils: Adventure and Challenge and  Inspire to Achieve. 

Effects of exposure to outdoor artificial light at night on human health (2025-2026)

As a Defra research and development fellow I conducted a rapid evidence assessment of existing research on the effects of outdoor artificial light at night on human health, providing recommendations for future research and policy development.

Building inclusivity and accessibility into your fieldwork (2024-2026)

Part-funded by a Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Ray Y Gildea Jr Award, this project collaborates with secondary geography and fieldwork educators to develop resources that help make fieldwork teaching more accessible and inclusive. 

Teaching

Other teaching

I enjoy teaching students about, and in, the environment. I am a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and an Accredited Practitioner of the Institute of Outdoor Learning. I am particularly interested in integrating applied outdoor learning into the university curriculum and developing innovative experiential assessments.

I contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Education, Geography and Environmental Science. This includes the following modules:

• Outdoor learning: people, nature and the environment (UG3 / PGT) - module leader
• Communicating the climate emergency (PGT) - module leader
• Managing global climate challenges (PGT) – co-module leader
• Dissertation (PGT)
• Research skills and project design (UG2)

External activities

Overview

External leadership positions

I hold several leadership positions within the environmental and geographical education community:

• Vice Chair, Community for Environmental Disciplines in Higher Education. 
• Secretary, Geography & Education Research Group (Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)).
• Outreach Officer, Quaternary Research Association.