A concept of heritage education that allows linking an 'inner' life of school with community life 'outside' the school is discussed in the article. Both theoretical backgrounds of the concept and three practical case studies from Czech schools are brought to readers' attention in order to illustrate how the education for sustainable development is supported in the Czech Republic.
The article also reviews various stimuli that emerged from the international comparison of good practice. For instance, a need to revitalise a responsible relation to the local landscape, nature and community seems to be shared all over Europe nowadays.
It resonates especially in the regions where the relation to the cultural heritage had been disrupted in the past. Paradoxically, the most abandoned regions tend to offer the extraordinary opportunities for school-based activities and sensible use of the local heritage for the benefit of both pupils and local communities.