Event: Ecological Citizens in the Business School - Exploring Nature‑Based Learning for Responsible Entrepreneurship

PRME UK & Ireland is delighted to spotlight an upcoming event hosted by Birmingham Business School that brings ecological citizenship to the forefront of business education. On Monday 23 February, academics, students, practitioners and community partners will gather at Winterbourne House and Garden for a hands‑on exploration of nature‑based learning and its potential to transform entrepreneurial practice.

The workshop is organised by Dr Caroline Chapain and Dr Emma Surman, Associate Professors at Birmingham Business School, whose ongoing research examines how learning with and through nature can encourage students to develop more responsible, sustainable approaches to enterprise. Their work speaks directly to PRME’s mission to inspire business schools to embed sustainability, ethics and purpose into teaching and learning.

Why Ecological Citizenship?

The ecological citizenship project explores how business students can build a stronger sense of connection to natural systems and planetary boundaries. Rather than relying solely on classroom‑based learning, the project tests how engaging directly with nature can shift perspectives on innovation, responsibility and value creation.

This approach resonates with the PRME Principles, particularly:

• Principle 1: Purpose – developing leaders who advance sustainable value for society

• Principle 3: Method – creating educational experiences that foster ethical and responsible mindsets

  
  

The workshop will bring together voices from across sectors to reflect on what ecological citizenship might mean for the future of business education.

What Participants Can Expect

The event combines discussion, reflection and experiential learning in the natural surroundings of Winterbourne.

The provisional agenda includes:

10:30–10:45 Arrival and coffee

A chance to meet fellow participants and settle into the day.

10:45–11:30 Introduction to the day

An overview of the ecological citizenship project led by Dr Chapain, Dr Surman, Jessica Adams (nature‑based leadership facilitator) and Eleanor Hill (Winterbourne House and Garden). Students from the MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme will share their experiences of nature‑based learning.

11:30–12:30 Voices from students

Participants will hear first‑hand insights from students who have engaged with the research project.

12:30–13:15 Lunch

13:15–14:15 Nature‑based activity

A facilitated outdoor activity led by Jessica Adams, offering an opportunity to experience nature‑centred learning in practice.

14:15–15:15 Insights and discussion

A reflective session led by Dr Caroline Chapain, Dr Emma Surman and Dr Fatos Ozkan Erciyas, exploring early findings from the research and their implications for business education.

15:15–15:30 Closing reflections and next steps

Attendees will help shape future directions for the ecological citizenship initiative.

Places are limited and booking is essential

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A Learning Experience Rooted in PRME Values

This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for educators, students, business practitioners and community organisations to explore new pedagogical approaches that enrich sustainability learning. By integrating nature‑based activities into entrepreneurship education, Birmingham Business School is helping to prepare future leaders who understand the interconnectedness of social, economic and ecological systems.

This aligns strongly with PRME UK & Ireland’s aim to champion innovative teaching and foster collaborative spaces where sustainability‑focused ideas can flourish.

How to Get Involved

Those interested in attending can register using the booking link or by emailing e.l.surman@bham.ac.uk.