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.
Latest Newsletters
Download Ayrshire Forest Cluster Winter 06/07
Newsletter (pdf) 119kb 
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Download Ayrshire Forest Cluster November 07 Newsletter (png)
Side 1 794kb
Side 2 875kb
Side 3 651kb
Side 4
584kb Side 5
774kb
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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
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
CLUSTER
GROUP NEWS
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 and the environment in the outdoors
in the midst of spectacular scenery. We
envisage completion of the site in 2006 and further information will appear
here in due course.
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
Willow work
and Eco Schools
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.
The next event is
Ayr County Show, Ayr Racecourse 10th &
11th May
Click the link below for more information
on willow resources & charcoal
Other FEI
projects
Survivor
2007, with Yipworld.com
Pinclanty
Forest
Hazel
Walking Sticks
Artist's
Charcoal 
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
