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FOREST EDUCATION INITIATIVE
AYRSHIRE FOREST CLUSTER GROUP
Forest Education Initiative (FEI) aims to increase the understanding and appreciation, particularly among young people, of the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests and the link between the tree and everyday wood products.
At present, the Ayrshire FEI cluster operates through the auspices of East Ayrshire Woodlands, which includes informal environmental education linkages with other like minded organisations and craftworkers throughout Ayrshire. We organise and participate in events and are involved in a variety of initiatives throughout the region with various partner organisations.
FEI brings information
to young people, in their homes, in schools & in colleges. Where possible,
we encourage the public, especially young people, to use trees, timber and
the forest environment for learning and gaining skills within their natural
environment.
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THE MAIN TARGET AUDIENCES ARE;
Children and young people
Teachers and group leaders
Education advisers in science, geography, design, technology & environmental studies
Forestry, timber & processing industries
FEI produces a range of learning resources which are available to all.
GETTING INVOLVED - INDUSTRY / CRAFT
WHY?
Local PR
Good contact with local schools as a Business Link
Community understanding of the modern timber industry
Potential future employees
Fulfill Educational obligations from Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006
What we are looking for
from industry / contacts;
GETTING INVOLVED - SCHOOLS
WHY?
Good contact with
local industry - Business Links
Education & curriculum links
Understanding of the modern & local timber industry
Potential future employers
How?
Support
from your local FEI cluster group
Receive talks from local industry
Site visits for both teachers & pupils
Sponsorship
to enable travel to sites
Contact
your local cluster group for information about local woods, resources
& contacts
interested in promoting woodland education.
Supply a small range of samples
/ products for use within FEI promotion for website, events etc.
Agreement to attend / supply information / display materials for Ayrshire
FEI event
Interested in becoming a member of Ayrshire Forest Cluster? Contact us or fill in the details form here
Grow your own tree The Forest (Poem) How the wood got its birdsong (Poem / activity)
CLUSTER GROUP NEWS
Pinclanty Forest Learning Trail Update
Work has continued on
the learning trail despite the wet weather
through the year. The curriculum worksheets are complete and the trail posts
have been installed. We have been installing a rope along part of the trail
for use as a
blindfold sensory rope trail and the last bits and pieces for the trail will
be completed shortly.
Trail map and activity locations
Woodland learning trail
worksheets will be available as a download here
once the official opening has taken place.
Literacy Trail Worksheet
Environmental Trail Worksheet
Art Trail Worksheet
Maths Trail Worksheet
New Ayrshire Forest Cluster / Forest School Banners
We have recently taken
delivery of new banners to promote the work of the forest cluster and to help
with the
progression towards establishing a sustainable and recognised Forest School
within Ayrshire.
Several of our members are hoping to begin Forest School training in the near
future and there is a new sub-group to take this development on further.
We are currently developing
an upland education site at Pinclanty
Forest in South Ayrshire, with the
creation of new access tracks around the forest and a woodland learning trail,
providing 5-14 curriculum
linked teaching and learning opportunities for maths, literacy, art and the
environment in the outdoors in
the midst of spectacular scenery. Worksheets
will shortly be available here as downloadable files.
We have recently supported
the 'Ayrshire's Treasured Trees' campaign run by the
Ayrshire and Arran Woodlands Partnership and produced 4 resource boxes for
the prizewinning
schools which included field study resources, ordnance survey maps, books,
field guides, posters,
measuring tapes, project kits and CD-Roms with both downloadable and interactive
5-14
curriculum woodland based resources.
Ayrshire's Treasured Trees resource boxes
A number of
group members have been active in developing school grounds and delivering
environmental education in woodlands. Many schools have been awarded their
Eco Schools green
flag following work with FEI members
Schools that have recently been involved with FEI work with Ayrshire Forest Cluster members
St. Xavier's
Primary, Waterside
Auchinleck Nursery
Sorn Primary
Crossroads Primary, near Hurlford
Minishant Primary
Hurlford Primary
Lainshaw Primary, Stewarton
Newmilns Primary
Hillside School, Cumnock
Witchhill School, Kilmarnock
Kirkmichael Primary
The Forest Cluster
has recently been producing artist's charcoal from old willow stems, packets
of
which will be available at events where FEI is promoted.
Click the link below for more information on willow resources & charcoal
Other FEI projects
Survivor
2007, with Yipworld.com
Pinclanty
Forest
Forest School
Members of the
Ayrshire Forest Cluster are working towards setting up sustainable Forest
Schools
within Ayrshire, with qualified and trained group members, teachers and education
providers.
New - Forest School Information Leaflet
Ayr County Show 2008
East Ayrshire Woodlands
promoted the concept and work of the Ayrshire Forest
Cluster at the Ayr County show on the 10th and 11th of May and gave a
first outing to the group's new FEI and Forest School banners.
Contact
Us for further information
