Remembering Juliet Robertson

Juliet Robertson was a pioneering educator and advocate for outdoor learning in Scotland and beyond.

Juliet founded Creative STAR Learning to support teachers and practitioners in connecting children with the outdoors, creativity and wellbeing.

Juliet was the author of Dirty Teaching and Messy Maths, two influential books widely used by educators to inspire outdoor learning. Her work shaped practice in schools and early years settings across Scotland, leaving a lasting legacy for children, teachers and the wider outdoor learning community.

In 2024 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to teaching and learning outdoors.

A personal message from Liz Edwards, remembering Juliet Robertson.

"I was so sad to hear that my friend Juliet Robertson passed away on the morning of Saturday 27 December 2025.

Juliet contributed a huge amount to supporting play and learning outdoors and she will be missed tremendously – not only professionally but on a deeply personal level by so many.

I had known Juliet for many, many years. We shared a strong ethos around supporting everyone to get outdoors so there was never a quiet moment between us. I loved Juliet’s wit and enthusiasm and I will miss her greatly, both personally and professionally.

Juliet was so very generous with her time. She really listened to what you had to say, took the time to understand each situation and always offered wise, thoughtful words. She was always so supportive of my work at Muddy Faces and would often help me develop ideas for the Outdoor Hub or offer suggestions for keynotes and talks I was giving. Her encouragement meant a great deal to me.

In June 2024, I visited Juliet in her wee garden. We talked all day – there was so much to discuss – and I worried it might be the last time I would see her. A year later though, we were together again doing outdoor maths – what else! I was delivering a talk and workshop in Aberdeen and had specifically chosen to focus on maths outdoors, hoping Juliet might be well enough to join us. Despite having recently undergone treatment, she didn’t want to miss the day.

The weather was stunning and the garden provided the perfect backdrop. It wasn’t long before Juliet moved from being an observer to being fully involved in the workshop, and I took a step back, listening to Juliet’s amazing insights. What a treat it was – for the group and for me – to share that time with her.

I have so many memories to cherish but above all I want to say Thank you, Juliet, for your enthusiasm, humour and immense generosity. You have contributed so much to support people in facilitating learning outdoors and to championing the benefits this brings to children and teachers alike.

When Juliet was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Education, Honoris Causa, from Queen Margaret University – something she was incredibly proud of – she ended her blog with these words:

“In line with tradition, the letters can be added after my name (D.Ed. (Hon)) and I remain the same Juliet without ‘Dr’ at the front. Saying that, for those who are wondering, my prescription would always be ‘Get outside’ and for an extra dose of goodness ‘Spend time in a wilder, natural place’. And for those asking ‘Dr Who?’ my response is ‘Look around. The outdoors is my Tardis’ 🙂”

I think we can all agree.

Fly high Juliet.
With all my love,
Liz xx

Juliet's books

Sources and further reading

• Queen Margaret University – Honorary Doctorate of Education
  Juliet Robertson was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education (Honoris Causa) in 2024.
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• Creative STAR Learning – About Juliet Robertson
  Founder of Creative STAR Learning, supporting teachers and practitioners in outdoor education.
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• Crown House Publishing – Juliet Robertson
  Author of Dirty Teaching and Messy Maths, influential books in outdoor learning.
  Read more

• Children & Nature Network – Trailblazer for outdoor learning and play
  Celebrating her work and influence in outdoor education.
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