The Forest Schools for Monmouthshire Project

The Forest Schools for Monmouthshire Project is a three year National Lottery funded project being run by the Forestry Commission.

The Project began in May 2004 and aims to establish and support Forest School activity in Monmouthshire, by setting up Forest School sites, purchasing equipment and resources and providing training for teachers and other adults.

The Project is now entering its third and final year, and there are currently

• 15 Forest School sites (in school grounds, on Forestry Commission and National Trust land and in woodland owned by Coleg Gwent and local farmers)

• 18 Forest School user groups including several local primary schools, Monmouthshire Youth Service, Communities First and Surestart

• 40 trained Forest School Leaders who are now able to organise their own Forest School sessions
  

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an exciting opportunity for children and young people to participate in a series of sessions in a woodland or forest environment. The sorts of activities that happen at Forest School are designed to cater for all styles of learners, especially those who prefer to learn in a practical way rather than in the classroom.

Groups visit 'their' Forest School (which may be little more than a log circle in a clearing in the forest) and through a series of small achievable tasks, develop new skills such as communication and practical skills at the same time as building independence, confidence and self-esteem.

For more information about the Forest Schools for Monmouthshire Project, please contact:

Rachel Smith                          
Project Co-ordinator                
Forest Schools for Monmouthshire

Telephone: 01291 627412      
Mobile: 07766 347878                Email here

Forestry Commission                 
Itton Forest Office,
Itton, Chepstow, 
Monmouthshire, NP16 6BZ 

For recent Project News, click here

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