Forestry Commission launches new Learning strategy on World Forestry Day

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The Forestry Commission is today launching its new approach to Learning on the Public Forest Estate in England. To celebrate this, and the fact that it’s World Forestry Day, over 1,000 people will be joining in learning events taking place across the country.


Learning in your Forest - Strategy 1

 The overall aim of the strategy is to give everyone, everywhere, the chance to connect with the nation’s trees and forests so that they understand the importance of sustainable forest management, and act positively to safeguard forests for the future.

Learning in your Forest - Strategy 2

We will be developing a diverse range of learning resources and working with others to increase the number of events we hold so that more people than ever can access and learn about the nation’s forests at more sites across England.

On 21 March 2013, the Forestry Commission is hosting over 30 events, for over 1,000 people, to highlight the wide variety of opportunities available for different groups to learn more about the important of forests and woodlands.


Learning in your Forest - Strategy 3

There is a selection of events taking place – from a land skills event for a college group in Whitwell, Derbyshire, to shelter building activities for 80 eight year old pupils at WhinlatterForest in Cumbriaand local primary schools in Kentare visiting Bedgebury Pinetum to go on an endangered tree walk!


Learning in your Forest - Strategy

We are also working with a Scout group in Bartley Green, near Birmingham, to help them work towards their Forester badge and taking a 6th form group with profound multiple learning difficulties on a sensory trail at Westonbirt, the Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum.

Sir Harry Studholme, Forestry Commission Chair, said;

“Trees and woodlands are important to all of us. They frame our landscapes and shape our environment. Our quality of life, even the air we breathe is enhanced by our trees. The timber in our woods impacts not just the natural but also the built environment. Our buildings and our furniture are showcases to the versatility of wood.

“The Public Forest Estate in England is a fantastic platform for the Forestry Commission to show the best of what can be done with forestry. How we manage our nation’s forests sustainably and safeguard them for the future: Leading the way in demonstrating how forests are an important part of the economy and good for the environment, while at the same time a space for people to enjoy themselves and experience nature.

“World Forestry Day promotes awareness of the value of forests across the globe. The learning resources launched today give information on the protection of, production and recreation of forests reminding us about how important they are. What better day to join in the celebrations and launch our new approach to learning!”

Rachel Giles, Forestry Commission Learning Manager, added;

“We want to enable everyone, everywhere, to connect with the nation’s trees and forests so that they understand their importance and the role of the Forestry Commission in their management.

“It’s a really exciting time for us and will mean that more learning opportunities will be available for more people in more forests than ever before.” 

For further information about learning opportunities in forests near to where you live, please visit the learning pages on our website.  These will be regularly updated with new resources and you can find out what events are taking place in your local forest and how to get involved.

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