Started in 1990 as the output of a research project, the charity soon grew in response to the demand from schools and funders.
The organisation was founded by Merrick Denton-Thompson OBE FLI who was also president of the Landscape Institute.
Their founding board member was Sir David Attenborough, who remains one the patrons to this day.
Scottish Natural Heritage has remained a main partner of LtL in Scotland for 25 years.
In 2023, LtL became the global lead for Outdoor Classroom Day, having led the early work of 'School Grounds Month' and partnered to deliver Outdoor Classroom day in the UK and Ireland since its inception.