In a recent Subject Pathway session, history trainees dived into the world of Environmental History, examining how people have interacted with their natural environment over time and exploring ways to integrate it meaningfully into lessons.

We focused on how nature played a role in shaping five key historical events:

• the Industrial Revolution,
• the Holocaust,
• the First World War,
• the British Empire, and
• the Black Death.

One particularly striking example was the role of the River Danube during the Holocaust. I was fascinated to learn how the river became a vital natural resource for the Nazi regime, used strategically to divide Budapest and control key parts of the city. Today, a memorial stands on the riverbank, commemorating the Jews who were persecuted and whose lives were lost – many of whom were cast into the river itself.

We also discovered lesser-known but powerful stories, such as the 22,000 pigeons that served in the British and French military during the First World War, and how British colonists introduced honeybees to North America in the 1620s, leading to honey becoming a staple food in the 17th century.

Overall, this session has highlighted how Environmental History can serve as a compelling entry point for students, offering ways to connect historical events with the natural world and deepen engagement in the classroom.