Unit 1 - 4.2 - Explain ways to involve learners in sustainable woodland management

Good Leadership Knowledge

It is important that a Forest School Leader is knowledgeable about woodland management techniques and can educate others about the importance of the maintenance of the woodland. A Forest School Leader has to be able to present this knowledge in a way that all ages can access. It is also the Forest School leader’s responsibility to provide opportunities, that allow participants to contribute to the continued health of the woodland. By doing this, they ensure that all participants feel that they have made a valuable contribution with regards to the health of the woodland. With quality leadership, participants will clearly see their valuable connection to their environment.

Educate Staff

The Newbold School teaching staff often look for outdoor learning opportunities. They are aware of the many benefits of outdoor learning and how it can enrich a topic. A very simple way to involve learners in sustainable woodland management would be to firstly educate the staff in these woodland practices. By educating the staff, they will be able to find more areas within the curriculum where links can be made to outdoor learning. For example, one simple link could be an assessment of birds or bats in the area. This could be followed by a design and technology activity where bird boxes are constructed.

 

Links to the college and outside regeneration/protection projects

By forming closer links with Newbold College and other local protection groups, we are able to access more knowledge and experience. For example, we started our Forest School journey by taking our children on a walk around the woodland area we plan to use. We had a chat with the Newbold College Woodland Manager, Mr Lamberth. He took us on a small tour of the area and we were shown where fox and badger sets were located. We were shown where possible Forest School fires could take place and we also talked about safety aspects of trees in high winds. 

This invaluable knowledge helps us to create a safer and more engaging experience for the adults and children taking part. With this information flow between the school and college we are then able to deliver activities, which help to improve the woodland we use in a well-managed way.

 

 

Increased outdoor learning experiences

The more children are given the opportunity to experience the outdoors, the more they will understand sustainable woodland management techniques. It is through our outdoor experiences that learners build a connection with their environment. They can then be offered opportunities to tend to the woodland in the area. For example, by cutting back overgrowth, wood collection or habitat building. Spending time in the woodland will encourage interest and respect for the upkeep of this area.

 

Rubbish Collection

A litter collection, through the woodland, is a wonderful way to involve all age groups in the sustainable management of the Newbold College woodland area. The children really enjoy this activity. It inspires all sorts of discussions relating to the health of woodland animals and the correct ways to dispose of waste. This often leads to great links in learning, as children will often link the clean up to the environmental crisis of plastics in our oceans.

 

 

Plant and wildlife surveys

The RSPB organise a Big Schools' Birdwatch count every year. Also 'The Big Schools' Birdwatch' counts towards the schools wild challenge cards and this is a great way of introducing children to the RSPB and to their work concerning bird population monitoring. By involving children in these regular nature health checks, we ensure that they notice the wildlife around them and are aware of its general decline. This will encourage them to act positively in their local environment, as they will be inspired to help local bird species.

 

Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK wide survey that helps scientists assess the health of the environment by counting the amount and types of butterflies that are seen at a particular point across the UK. This is another activity which is similar to the RSPB bird count.

 

Habitat creation

Children can be involved in the creation of habitats for animals that they share the woodland space with. Younger children could create log piles and bug hotels and older children build bird and bat boxes. The children will be made aware of the effect their presence has on the woodland and how they can help to minimise that impact.

 

  

Involving the participants

Asking the children's opinion will give them a sense of ownership of the area. These opinions can be in the form of a simple risk assessment or a learning area plan. We can formulate child friendly plans and conduct surveys of the area we plan to use. The children often come up with interesting and unexpected ideas, which will benefit the Forest School greatly.

There are many ways to encourage the involvement of learners in woodland management. By asking the children what they would like to achieve in Forest School we will encourage them to take responsibility for their learning and to take care of the environment. 

Our student council already discuss the environment of the school as part of its agenda. When we begin Forest School activities, woodland management can be a regular discussion point at class and school meetings.