Putting the Forestry into Forest Education
Thursday 4th April 2019
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Rosliston Forestry Centre, Derbyshire
Following the success of FEN’s first national CPD event in 2017 we are delighted to announce the details of the second event, taking place in the National Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre, South Derbyshire, on Thursday 4th April 2019.
The Forest Education Network for England brings together key national, regional and local forestry and education organisations and in the year of the Forestry Commission’s 100th anniversary FEN is excited to celebrate forest education past, present and future.
The day is designed to expand delegates’ knowledge and understanding of ecology and management of the UK’s forests and woodlands and provide them with practical advice on managing their own sites for the benefit of both nature and people, as well as activities to use with young people.
Whether you are a teacher, forest school practitioner, outdoor learning provider, woodland owner, or simply interested in Britain’s forests and woodland, this biannual event will provide you with sources of information, advice and valuable networks to improve your knowledge and practice.
In the diverse woodlands of Rosliston Forestry Centre, delegates will participate in three inspiring and practical workshop sessions led by national forestry and education experts.
This CPD event is organised by FEN steering group members: Woodland Trust, Sylva Foundation, Forest School Association, Forestry Commission, Royal Forestry Society, Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the National Forest. We are very grateful to the National Forest for supporting some of the costs of this event. We are also pleased that Woodland Trust will be providing an overview of their new ‘Tree Tools for Schools’ resource. This free, online resource has activities linked to the primary curriculum and supports many of the topics covered in this CPD event.
Workshop A: From tree to wood product! Information, resources and activities on how we use British trees
Workshop leaders:
Becky Wilkinson, Teaching Trees Programme Officer, Royal Forestry Society (RFS)
Jen Hurst, Head of Forest Education, Sylva Foundation
Steve Fowkes, Advisor Business and Markets, Forestry Commission England
What happens to British trees after they are cut down? Where do they go, how are they used and what is their value? What career pathways are there for young people in forestry? This workshop will help answer these questions by introducing you to the forestry cycle from seed to saw to product using activities and information from national forestry organisations. You will also take part in an activity run by RFS called “The Forester”, an engaging numeracy challenge which can be adapted for all ages exploring how foresters select and harvest timber then prepare it for market. Find out who can make the most profit from their timber crop! We will provide a directory of further information and activities that many other forestry organisations provide.
Workshop B: Caring for our trees! Identification skills and tree health awareness to understand and protect our woodlands
Workshop leaders:
Becki Gawthorpe, Biosecurity Outreach Officer, Forestry Commission
Laura Brooker, Biosecurity Information Officer, Forestry Commission
Plus foresters and educators who work locally in and near the Rosliston Centre woodlands
This workshop will look at how to monitor the health of your trees. This will include learning about the main tree pests and diseases affecting the UK at present, the main signs and symptoms to look out for and the importance of biosecurity in trying to reduce the introduction and spread of harmful tree pests and diseases within our woodlands and forests. The workshop will talk you through how to report a tree pest or disease should you identify anything suspicious on your site or school and will look at the existing useful resources available (apps, websites and campaigns). This workshop will be based both indoors and outdoors, exploring the diverse woodlands of Rosliston to look at tree health examples and how they are being managed.
Workshop C: Creating Forests for Learning! Creating new woodland sites for schools and managing existing woodland sites for schools
Workshop leaders:
Caroline Scothern, a former teacher and leading on the Creating a Forest for Learning project with the National Forest Company
Simon Greenhouse and Dan Small, professional foresters from the National Forest Company
Sarah Lawfull, Forest School Association Director and Forest School Trainer with her own social enterprise Where the Fruit Is, Oxfordshire
This outdoor session in the woods will look at creating a woodland from scratch, considering: design, species, open space, maintenance, size and its future potential. We’ll then look at management of existing woodlands, of various ages. Including; when to fell, re-plant, encourage light, make new spaces, health and safety, pest and diseases and making the most of woodland spaces, whatever their size, shape or make-up. Delegates will participate in activities that will help them develop ideas for their own woodland management plans. Sources of information, training and woodland management tools will be shared.
The event will offer plenty of chances to get outside and explore the heart of the National Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre. There will also be opportunities for networking with other forest educators and browsing the forest education resources on display.
Cost
£75 attendance at the CPD event (including lunch and refreshments)
or
£90 & £2 p&p for attendance at the event and a copy of the Primary Forest & Woodland Teaching Resource pack
Due to the nature of the inspiring workshops numbers are limited for this event. Book today to ensure you have a place.
All income raised through this event will enable the Forest Education Network England to continue its work promoting forest education and supporting forest educators
