Would you like to study natural history at school?

If you have a passion about conservation, protecting the planet and the natural world, then you may enjoy a brand new school subject which could be coming to a classroom near you.

A new GCSE in Natural History could soon be taught in schools in England.

The government has started a 12-week consultation - this means it is asking people what they think before making a final decision.

The Department for Education (DfE) said the consultation brings the GCSE "one step closer to being taught in classrooms".

The consultation is open now to 4 September.

Would you like to study Natural History at school?

Let us know using the comments below, and take part in our vote while you are there!

GCSEs are qualifications usually studied by pupils aged 14 to 16 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The decision only applies to England, because the governments in each UK nation make their own decisions on education.

The subject would teach pupils about habitats and wildlife in the UK, how people affect nature, and topics including climate change, conservation and biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity means the variety of living things in an area, such as plants, animals and insects.

Pupils would spend at least 20 hours learning outside in their local area, studying in places like parks, woods, farmland or beaches - recording what they find and looking at results carefully.

The government says this could help prepare young people for green careers - jobs that help the environment and protect the natural world.

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: "We know there is strong demand from young people and educators to learn more about nature."

The idea to have a Natural History subject was first proposed by environmental campaigner Mary Colwell in 2011, and members of parliament from lots of different political parties supported the idea.

High profile nature-lovers have also backed the campaign.

CBBC's Deadly 60 presenter and naturalist, Steve Backshall said: "I've spent my life exploring the furthest reaches of the globe – from ocean depths to mountain summits – and the natural world never stops surprising me.

"That sense of discovery is something every young person deserves to feel, and this GCSE could be the thing that sparks it."

TV personality Bear Grylls, environmentalist and TV presenter Chris Packham and author and former children's presenter Floella Benjamin, have also supported the plans, as well as big nature-focussed attractions like the Eden Project and Natural History Museum.