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“SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION IN NATURE”

An EU funded LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME GRUNDTVIG LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

2012-1-GB2-GRU06-08367



CONTENTS

Summary of the Project Organisations taking part Transnational mobility meetings Conclusion Annex A – Learning Opportunities and Best Practice Solutions Annex B – Network



SUMMARY

Sustainable Education in Nature "S.E.I.N" is an EU funded Lifelong Learning Programme grundtvig learning partnership (www.grundtvig.org.uk).

The project has been running for two years from August 2012 until July 2014. Within this time staff and learners, from the organisations involved, have travelled in “mobility” meetings to the countries involved in the project to learn new knowledge, to gain new personal and professional competences and to share their own best practices within a theme of outdoor education and Forest School methodology. Each organisation within the partnership has hosted a transnational meeting. These meetings have provided new international learning opportunities for staff and adult learners within the theme of outdoor learning.

Forest School and outdoor learning methodology, offer a truly accessible way to attract adult learners, and quickly include them as active participants, not just passive receivers of information. Adults with limited education and/or those who are disadvantaged, can find value and interest in the environment, especially if asked to support children's learning. Grundtvig is focused on Adult Education – the main target group for SEIN has been adults who want to develop their skills and knowledge, through learning and teaching in outdoor learning environments.

The settings of the practitioners and the user groups are varied, but the required skills are surprisingly similar and there has been a productive intercultural learning and exchange between the partners during the six transnational meetings that have been carried out during the project. The exchanges have been focusing on formal and non-formal training, different practices, good practices, challenges, initiatives and activities to overcome the challenges.

As a partnership the participants and organisations have evaluated the project on a continuous basis, through the use of qualitative and quantative evaluation documentation and through informal briefing sessions. We have therefore maintained the focus of the project and ensured the quality of the learning opportunities at a local and multinational level.

The adult learners involved in the project have developed their existing skills and learnt new best practices and methods. As a result of the project new Forest School activities have been set up, new techniques used we have ensured a sustainable and lasting European legacy of the SEIN project by establishing an international network.

http://www.grundtvig.org.uk/



ORGANISATIONS

PROJECT CORDINATOR UK

KC English is a community-based organisation, providing communication and cultural services in the rural area of the Rame peninsula, SE Cornwall. Our aim is to generate new incomes and new learning activities for local people, while enriching our area with links to other parts of Europe. We include both vocational (work-related) training and adult education for cultural and social learning. We organise language classes (English for migrants, French, Spanish, and a range of other languages). We arrange home-stay English language courses for foreign students, based around full immersion into the local community. We organise themed activities and visits for local people and visitors, such as heritage visits, the arts, participation in local sporting activity and social events, creation of specific activities (eg Fun Days). We provide services in proof-reading, editing and translation of documents. Approximately 50% of our work is connected to support for disadvantaged residents in our local community area and providing them with educational opportunities. These include migrant workers and their families, and those with limited educational achievement.

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: + 44 (0)1752 823015

Post:: KC English, Unit 4, The Old Bank, The Parade, Millbrook, Torpoint, Cornwall, United Kingdom, PL10 1AS

www.kcenglish.co.uk

PARTNERS

Czech Republic

Centrum pro rozvoj Vysočiny (Centre for development of Vysočina, CPRV) is the non-profit non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in 2009 with the main focus on the

mailto:[email protected]



sustainable development of the rural areas and small town in Vysočina region, support and actively contribute. The NGO CPRV is dealing with different topics and areas related to the sustainable development from different perspectives. The main target group are the people of all ages living in the small villages and towns, authorities, stakeholders and NGOs, small entrepreneurs, educational institutions. The region is very specific for its agricultural background, natural heritage and very clean and healthy life standard/nature, tradition and the structure created by small villages. One of the main area of activities is to cooperate with the target group on gaining support including administrative, education, advocacy, consultations. We provide the service and partnership based on the individual approach and needs of the region and applying the long life learning principles. Field of work: technologies, education, housing, professional development, saving energies, environment and other

www.cprv.cz

Spain

The ACD LA HOYA Our organization is born in 1982 in La Hoya, group of friends with same hobbies diced to create the organizations and give space for the youngsters in La Hoya to do the things that they like. There are 4 sectors in our association: “Theater” “Sport”, “European Projects” “ Youth Center”

The main aim is to give the youth of the village possibilities to spend their free time by doing useful activities, to support bottom up initiatives of the young living in the village, also to open international exchange for young people, promote youth initiative in improving social work and facilitating the integration of young people into society especially those of rural areas by involving them in our work, and encouraging their creative spirit that helps increasing youth participation in both local community and society in general. We try to offer learning activities for older people, especially aiming to give this group of people different activities after work, to develop their skills. The association has good links to market gardens and public parks in the area, to develop the activities and for exchange of different experiences with the other countries. . The association has a good cooperation with a local school, and will work together with them, to build teaching on the different forms for taking care

http://www.cprv.cz/



of the nature and plants. We also do different activities with adult people and children in the mountains and forest and we have a group of people in the organization that have some weekend’s treking. There will be different seminars and activities with the children during the project.

[email protected]

www.acdlahoya.org

http://www.acdlahoya.org/?s=sein

Hungary

Eletmuvesz Ifjusagi Egyesulet is an enthusiastic organisation actively taking part in local, regional (the region of Lake Velence) and international youth, social and community work. Our basic principle is to give space, create opportunities and support people with different social and cultural backgrounds, especially with fewer opportunities (minorities, disabled ones) in realizing their ideas, develop their talents in several fields and open their perspectives and discovering new local and international opportunities. Therefore we look for cooperation and work on building networks with different non-governmental and governmental, profit and non-profit organisations. We organise different activities: sport days, art workshops, festivals, trainings for youth workers, volunteers. An important part of our work is to support people living under state care, helping their integration into the local community. We would like to raise awareness for democracy, history, environmental issues and the importance of recycling. We are dealing with forest school programs in the last three years; we lay stress on supporting unemployed people through outdoor and forest school activities. During the project we will give the learners and trainers of this program to exchange knowledge with similar people in Europe. The staff of the organisation is composed of many volunteers (teachers, youth workers, coaches) who work on different levels in the association.

www.artistoflife.hu




Bulgaria

Euro-training is a non-profit non-governmental private organisation founded in 2004 and based in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The main goal is connected with promoting and supporting of different kind and forms of training activities. We strongly believe that only well- educated and trained people are capable to make a transition to the knowledge based economy and may significantly improve the quality of life. In the Learning Age, equipping people with the right knowledge and skills is crucial to maintaining high and sustainable levels of employment and price stability. But our vision of the Learning Age is about more than employment. The development of a culture of learning will help to build a united society, assist in the creation of personal independence, and encourage the creativity and innovation. We have huge experience participating in many EU programs and initiatives inside LLP. Most of our activities and projects are connected with empowering of the different disadvantaged groups with appropriate knowledge and skills for successful placement in the labour market and this way contribute for their social inclusion. Those we do developing and providing of different training activities and actions for training and improving their civic and social skills and competences based on blended and e-learning. Our target groups are different – mostly excluded, people with mental disorders and other kind of disabilities and difficulties, women, men, adults at risk, other social excluded people. For them we are developing different training materials and tools for improving skills and competences and promoting their employability and inclusion in the labour market.

EURO-training 65, Tzar Simeon Veliki str. 6003 Stara Zagora BULGARIA Phone: +359 42 638524 Mobile: +359 888 439579 E-mail: [email protected]

www.euro-training.org





Austria

CUBIC, (Culture & Education in Context) is an association of professional trainers, dedicated to mobility and training. We are well settled in offering services to youth work, training for youth and social workers, and activities in the field of non-formal education, and dealing with inclusion & integration topics on a regional and international level since its foundation in 2005. The association's members, professionals in the field of training and social work, are experienced in educational project management, and have more than 10 years experience in managing EU projects and working with the target group of disadvantaged young people and adults. Our strategy for inclusion project, “Rückenwind”, (for young adults aged 16 – 30, with fewer opportunities) won an award from the Austrian Ministry for Youth in 2008. We are one of the main providers in the area to link local activities into European partnerships.

Cubic aims at encouraging intercultural exchange and learning processes, promoting educational training for young people, youth workers and multipliers, and improving the opportunities of young people and adults of getting involved in social and labour life, giving special attention to the inclusion of disadvantaged youngsters.

www.cubic-online.eu

http://www.cubic-online.eu/



PROJECT ACTIVITIES

TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY MEETING ACTIVITIES

UK; Kick Off Meeting 26-30 November 2012 Austria 17-21 April 2013

Hungary 20-24 May 2013



Czech Republic, Pelhrimov 14-18 October 1013

Bulgaria, Stara Zagora 24-28 March 2014

Spain, Elche, La Hoya, 19-23 May 2014



CONCLUSIONS

As a partnership, the organisations have worked together with a theme of outdoor learning within the field of adult education; to engage with adult learners and volunteers and to look at methods to encourage more use of outdoor learning for children and how training is approached as well as methods and practices to encourage more adult learners to take part in these activities. Some countries like Austria, have well developed “true” Forest School methodology as part of the mainstream education system, by this we mean that if a child attends a Forest School the children are educated for the majority of the time outside the class room all of the year, and education is entirely focused on using nature as the methods to teach all subjects; in other countries Forest School techniques are used and encouraged, but are part of traditional school network so they are carried out as short sessions rather than as an holistic educational approach; in other countries “Forest School” does not exist, but children have access to outdoor education centres and therefore the Forest School ethos is in an early stage of development. With this wide diversity of approaches the adult learners have been able to develop their knowledge and discuss best practice with partners in transnational meetings. At a local level the number of new learners has increased, professionals in this area have learnt new techniques, best practices and have developed their own international networks. As a result of the project the partnership has produced a catalogue of best practice activities; having identified a training need the partners have set out an example of the training opportunities or activities that are available and have developed local Forest School networks with a view to developing the adult education provision for Forest School methodology. These approaches are more developed for the education systems of age 2-6 years old but as well developed for children beyond these ages. There are professionals who believe that the Forest School approach could be extended well beyond these years. All partners and learners agree about the educational and childhood behavioural and learning developments that can be achieved through the provision of more outdoor learning and Forest School methodology. This education approach can be used for core education subjects; maths literacy and the professionals involved in the SEIN project have also agreed that these approaches develop a child’s soft skill competences; problem solving, team building, fine motor skills, being part of a collective society, of the natural world, practical approaches – cause, connections and effects. With regard to adult education (Forest School leaders, volunteers, workers and students), the adult education system is improving, but there is a big difference between the non-formal and formal educational training sectors. In the main formal Forest School is specialised and private, it therefore needs to be paid for and this is prohibitive to some



adult learners and volunteers. In all countries Forest School pedagogy is in need of more governmental and policy level support and implementation; in order to reduce the gap between the formal and non-formal approaches.

WITH THANKS TO THE EU’S LIFE LONG LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR

FUNDING THE SEIN GRUNDTVIG PARTNERSHIP.



ANNEX A

CATALOGUE OF TRAINING NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES



CATALOGUE OF TRAINING NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

As a partnership we have produced this catalogue of three identified adult training needs and opportunities or best practice examples per country.

BULGARIA

(1) CHALLENGE DEVELOPING SURVIVING SKILLS IN THE NATURE

IDENITIFIED TRAINING NEED

Improving skills of surviving in the nature. Encouraging more adult participation.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY BEST PRACTICE SOLUTION; TITLE

BAGATUR – Bulgarian School for Surviving in the Nature

LOCATION Stara Zagora region, Muglij district – mountain situation DURATION 1 to 7 days outdoor school TARGET GROUPS Adults and children DESCRIPTION To encourage active participation in the nature; encouraging volunteers and adults to be

involved and develop green spaces for outdoor activities. Participants experience great outdoor activities, as centuries ago. The use different old style tools and instruments.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Cultural impact Community impact Sense of ownership; civil and societal impact Education; learning about the process for children and adults involved.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE BEST PRACTICE

Strong participation.

Sustainability growth.

Physical activities.

Developing survival skills.

Keep the nature and cultural heritage.

Preserve the natural phenomena. HOW IS THE SUCCESS OF THE BEST PRACTICE MEASURED

Sustainability – ensuring that the people continue the activities. Maintaining community links and developing further projects.



(2) CHALLENGE Cleaning the nature

IDENITIFED TRAINING NEED

Keep the nature clean. Encouraging more adult and child participation.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY/BEST PRACTICE SOLUTION TITLE

“To clean Bulgaria for one day only”

LOCATION Bulgaria, National initiative, Stara Zagora region DURATION 1 day TARGET GROUPS Adults and children DESCRIPTION To encourage active participation in the nature; encouraging volunteers and adults to be

involved and develop cleaning the nature activities. The main goal is to be involved in the green activities, and to help to clean the spaces.

RESULTS/IMPACT Cultural impact Community impact Sense of ownership; civil and societal impact Education; learning about the process for children and adults involved. Ecological impact


Strong participation. Sustainability growth. Physical activities. Developing survival skills. Keep the nature and cultural heritage. Preserve the natural phenomena. Clean the nature – rivers, mountains, park areas…

HOW IS THE SUCCESS OF THE BEST PRACTICE MEASURED


(3) CHALLENGE To teach children to preserve the nature

IDENTIFIED TRAINING NEED

Keep the nature clean. Encouraging more adult and child participation


Green kindergarten

LOCATION Bulgaria, National initiative, Stara Zagora region DURATION 7 day TARGET GROUPS Adults and children DESCRIPTION To encourage active participation in the nature; encouraging children and adults to be

involved and develop cleaning the nature activities. The main goal is to be involved in the green activities, and to help to clean the spaces.

RESULTS/ Cultural impact



IMPACT Community impact

Sense of ownership; civil and societal impact

Education; learning about the process for children and adults involved.

Ecological impact

Community development WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE BEST PRACTICE

Strong participation.



Developing survival skills.

Keep the nature and cultural heritage.

Preserve the natural phenomena.

Clean the nature – rivers, mountains, park areas… HOW IS THE SUCCESS OF THE BEST PRACTICE MEASURED


Czech Republic (1) CHALLENGE Awareness of the benefits of the forest/outdoor educational approach, education of the

relatives of the children


Methods of activities in the nature, education of children, broader understanding of the outdoor education and its context

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY/ BEST PRACTICE SOLUTION TITLE

Forest game and trainings

LOCATION Forest in surrounding of the Montessori kindergarten with strong forest educational/outdoor concept

DURATION 1 day

TARGET GROUPS Parents, parents/grandparents with children

DESCRIPTION There is a space for further awareness and understanding of the forest school and outdoor education and its value. The Czech system officially doesn’t recognize the forests pre-schools as an equal educational bodies to the regular kindergartens. Forest preschools offers big potential for the community life and active involvement of the parents what has impact to the Montessori Pelhrimov manages a combined approach of the Montessori pedagogy and forest/outdoor educational approach. Montessori Pelhrimov organized regularly afternoon or evening activities for the parents with children where the parents get to know better and in practice what they children do in the kindergarten, get inspired and develop their competences for the outdoor activities as well. IN the case of the trainings the parents can follow the training where they learn more



about the children education, methods and philosophy related to the outdoor education as other fields as well. Forest game: The parents come to the kindergarten and the children have time to show them what they do and where they spent time. After this individual time they get the map with the stops which they need to follow. Each stops include the telescope made of long paper tube, the children need to look through and field the paper animal in the surrounding, close to the animal they can find more details about the animal and also the task to do. All places on the map are places which the children visit during the days and have activities what again offer the space to share with parents they experience. Last stop is the common big community bonfire to have sausages, talk, met other parents and get to know each other. There is a “night” version using the torch and reflective lights on the animals. Combined approaches allow also multi-funding of the activities.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Transparent work of credibility of the kindergarten, awareness of the educational value of the forest and outdoor concept of education. Space and potential for the involvement of parents in the educational system, strong involvement of the fathers while lack of males in the formal educational system. Support of the feeling of co-ownership and time spending in nature, which balance the current IT world and individual time spending. Educational development of the parents and grandparents. Community life and volunteering promotion and support, intergenerational aspect with mutual learning process.


Motivation of the community to be part of the educational system, creativity, broader concept of education including different actors, target groups, community spirit and training opportunities for the parents, grandparents and community.


Measurable criteria as number of children attending the kindergarten, participants of events and trainings, contributions to the kindergarten based on the motivation to support to further development and opportunities created, feedback and evaluation of participants.

(2) CHALLENGE Education and training opportunities of the teachers mainly of the pre-schools

IDENITFIED TRAINING NEED

Practice related to the theory as a part of curriculum of the pre-schools, outdoor activities


Experiencing learning – farm and forest

LOCATION Farm, forest

DURATION Different durations

TARGET GROUPS Families, individuals, children, mainly kindergarten, schools

DESCRIPTION Farm “Statek u zvířátek” (http://www.statekuzviratek.cz) ) is open for public to experience the life in farm with all its aspects and tasks related to the gardening, care about animals, food production. At the same time there are events organized with the same spirit linked to different holidays and specific dates.

There is very large offer of the programmes related to the diversity of the nature e.g.

http://www.statekuzviratek.cz/



getting to know the forest, insect life – ants, village life and farm animals, wild animals, nature through all senses including climbing, forest as a gallery, concert hall, stage and playground, water life, autumn full of fruits and vegetables, spring and waking up of nature, winter secrets of nature, etc. The programmes for teachers include also educational and methodological materials. The environmental centre is in partnership with other NGOs and institutions.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

New approach not institutionally recognized based on the interest and believe of founder. Opportunity to use the space, time and tools/resources of the farm for the own educational programme or offered frameworks, also individual experience. Very concrete and purely practical approach involving everyone in the manual work and care of farm as a way to leave the imprint and contribute through the work.


Unique opportunity to practice and set up the practice and experience according to the interest. Apart from the environmental centres very concrete approach with the connections to the specific elements of the farm life.


Number participants, visitors, activities, funding and feedback.

(3) CHALLENGE Education and training opportunities of the teachers mainly of the pre-schools

IDENITIFIED TRAINING NEED

Practice related to the theory as a part of curriculum of the pre-schools, outdoor activities

TITLE Educational programmes

LOCATION Forest, garden, environmental centre

DURATION Different durations – from 2 hours to 2 days programmes

TARGET GROUPS Teachers, teachers with children, families, parents, individuals

DESCRIPTION Educational programme provided by the environmental centre Chaloupky (http://www.chaloupky.cz/cs/) addressed to the public as teachers and schools as well. Programmes for the kindergartens last 120 min and additional time for breaks with snacks.

There is very large offer of the programmes related to the diversity of the nature e.g. getting to know the forest, insect life – ants, village life and farm animals, wild animals, nature through all senses including climbing, forest as a gallery, concert hall, stage and playground, water life, autumn full of fruits and vegetables, spring and waking up of nature, winter secrets of nature, etc. The programmes for teachers include also educational and methodological materials. The environmental centre is in partnership with other NGOs and institutions.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Development of the methodology and practice which can teachers bring to the curriculum. Conceptualized approach to the outdoor and forest education. Existence of training opportunity in the region providing also the networking and cooperation of e.g. teachers.


Practice and expertise in the field, training programmes. Possibility of tailor – made programmes. Strong institutions have very broad impact and offering rich knowledge and practice based education and resources including the legislation and theoretical background.


Number and diversity of the programmes, number of target groups, participants, hours of trainings, feedback.

http://www.chaloupky.cz/cs/



SPAIN (1) CHALLENGE Developing different course to connect the kids with the nature and plants


Teach and learn about environment activities and the involvement in the nature. Encouraging more young participation.


Educación Ambiental Corazon Verde

LOCATION Alicante (Spain) DURATION Courses and activities during all the week TARGET GROUPS Adults and children DESCRIPTION We realize during all the year different courses and activities that are aimed to adults

and youngsters who wish to acquire or expand theoretical and practical knowledge related to the field of environmental education by conducting activities in certain areas. Organic Gardening with low water needs: Xeriscaping Ecological Garden Aromatherapy Distillation Plant Medicinal Plants: Herbal Medicine Practice Manufacture of Perfumes and Colognes Distillation of Aromatic Plants

RESULTS/IMPACT New activities to work with kids and young people.

Learn different techniques

Connection the kids with the nature

Recover the use of the plants. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE BEST PRACTICE



Keep the heritage

Know more about the nature in the area

Promotion activities between parent & kids. HOW IS THE SUCCESS OF THE BEST PRACTICE MEASURED

Sustainability – the adult participants will share the knowledge with other people and promote to the kids Activities for the community and promotion the heritage.

(2) CHALLENGE To teach and connect the children to environmental activities and nature, through practical activities in the urban garden.


Missing are the connections or possibilities for the children to learn about the nature and the agriculture.




Huerto de la Cuerna

LOCATION

Elche (Spain)

DURATION

School duration

TARGET GROUPS

Children + Teachers

DESCRIPTION The urban garden Huerto de la Cuerna give the opportunity to create a meeting point for students, parents and friends at school or outside school hours in order to know the environment, respect the urban environment and develop values such as tolerance, solidarity and social commitment. The children for 3 schools have the opportunity to discover, practice and learn of agriculture life, linking to the land, to understand the origin of their food and get a basic understanding of the environment as planting compost or recycle .

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Promote the recovery of identity. Provide direct experience of knowledge of the natural environment and its relationship with human activity. Encourage citizen participation. Promoting ecological agriculture. Learn about the nature and the connection with the daily life.


The benefit or potential of the best practice is to be brought into play in lots of aspects directly related to education, such as values of sharing, being in nature, the knowledge of plants, the issue of the relationship with other ages.


New people during the year join the urban garden to learn about nature. Quality in the school that take part in the project in the urban garden Huerto de la Cuerna and incensement of the kids in the school. Trainings, activities, education on nature in the area for the community and the kids.

(3) CHALLENGE Offer to children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment


Connect the children to the nature


wildsidesurvivaleurope

LOCATION

Malaga (Spain)

DURATION

2 hours per day

TARGET GROUPS Children



DESCRIPTION Outdoor education which children in forests/woodlands, learning personal, social and technical skills. Offer children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment

The activities develop are for example: the role of trees in society, the complex

ecosystem supported by a wilderness, and recognition of specific plants and

animals, encourage children to learn about nature and the environment in an

educational and fun atmosphere, walks, nature trails, building a camp, basic first

aid, building a camp fire (under close supervision and in a designated safe area)

and cooking, races, games, making a hammock, plant identification, tree and

stone rubbings, paper mache pot making, camoflage games/hide and seek.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Encourage team work, build self confidence and self esteem Learn different techniques Activities for children related to the nature


Encourage and inspire children of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Aids children’s understanding, appreciation and care for our natural environment Saw great improvements in their abilities to listen and communicate.


We can see the improvement of the concepts of the children related to the nature. New activities for kids during the week. More kids interested in this project and new project related to nature in the area.

UK

(1) CHALLENGE Community engagement in outdoor education and learning; developing intergenerational learning opportunities with an outdoor education focus.


Improving skills of staff in child care settings; communication, marketing their own skills, showcasing their abilities and knowledge and empowering other adults to learn new pedagogical approaches in a formal or non-formal way.


Outdoor Education Family Day’s

LOCATION

In any public open space; not the child care setting

DURATION

2-4 hours.

TARGET GROUPS

Children and adults; intergenerational

DESCRIPTION In order to encourage adults and older people to participate in events with children it



was identified by SEIN participant’s, that this can work more effectively outside of the child care setting. This seems to encourage better participation from parents and grandparents and other volunteers. Development of “Forest School” activities in public open spaces; sharing knowledge between Pre Schools and Schools by combining activities. Encouraging social and community cohesion and mixing of children and adults.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Experts can share their knowledge to a broad cross section of society and encourage further participation. The Pre School has an outdoor education ethos, using nature and forest school techniques and methodology. The aspiration is to promote sustainability and care for the environment in the thoughts and actions of children and young people ; encouraging active participation in our local public spaces, encouraging care and consideration through “ownership” of the space – involvement of Young people is key to the success of the space.


Tips and Observations: A natural public open space; a Forest or a beach! Preparation and good organisation required. Simple activities combining individual and group activities with interaction between adults and children – EG. using adults to reach up high; children to bend to lower levels… A good staff/volunteer to children ratio (in UK – following legislation requirements).

HOW THE SUCCESS OF THE BEST PRACTICE IS MEASURED

In-formal evaluation and formal evaluation; feedback information sheets. Staff meetings and discussions with participants.

(2) CHALLENGE Provisions of formal Accredited Forest School Training for Staff and Volunteers


Developing “true” Forest Schools in the UK is not easy; Health and Safety legislation as well as educational legislation and policies are sometimes prohibitive or seen to be prohibitive.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY BEST PRACTICE TITLE

Kingfisher Pre School, Kingsand Cornwall https://www.facebook.com/KingfisherPreSchoolKingsand

LOCATION

At the Pre School and at the training provider Provider of the Accredited Training; Duchy College; Cornwall

DURATION

On-going

TARGET GROUPS

Volunteers; Staff

DESCRIPTION There are true Forest Schools in the UK; following a purely Forest School methodology, but these are largely outside of the main stream education system or are fee paying (private).



Kingfisher Pre School manages a mixed approach. Using the concepts of Forest School and outdoor education methods in the ethos of the whole setting. The Pre School run Nature Club sessions for older children; always outside of the setting – Forest School or Beach School and now has two qualified and trained Forest School teachers. The training is provided by a local VET college; Duchy College, and is paid for by the Pre School which is a charity.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

Improvements and encouraging access to accredited formal Forest School training. Staff haveundertaken further training. Encourage all Education for Sustainable Development techniques with staff parents and children. Actively encourage community volunteers and NGO’s specialising in volunteering to provide support. Children attending the Pre School are teaching their parents/grandparents/carers about care for the environment; the uses of plants; the marine environment.


Tips/Observations: Encourages staff training and development as well as community engagement and adult learning. Organisational/management support and competences are essential. Professional competences; motivation, ethical values.


The addition of the Nature Club has increased the attendance and numbers of children attending the Pre School – parents see it as a benefit of their children attending that Pre School. Feedback from Parents. The Pre School is run by Trustees; is a charity.

(3) CHALLENGE Developing community links between outdoor education providers and other community organisations to encourage adult volunteering


Improving skills of staff in child care settings; communication, marketing and developing community links. Encouraging more male participation.


Tree Planting – “We Can See The Wood for the Trees”



LOCATION

Pre School or outdoor education setting Kingfisher Pre School, Kingsand, Cornwall, UK

DURATION

1 day for planting; care of plants required.

TARGET GROUPS

Adults and children

DESCRIPTION To encourage active participation in the setting; encouraging volunteers and adults to be involved and develop green spaces for outdoor activities. Volunteer groups have planted trees to start the formation of a natural corridor, a sensory space for children.

RESULTS/ IMPACT

A physical impact on the setting; “greening” of the space. Community impact Sense of ownership; civil and societal impact Education; learning about the process for children and adults involved.


The spaces have become more friendly places to use for the local community. More work needs to be done, but much has been achieved by the “greening” of these spaces. Raising awareness of sustainable development, citizenship and community development with children and Young people as well as community as a whole. Starting at a young age (from 2yrs old) to encourage care for the local environment, sustainable development and civic participation. Requires materials; trees plants, soil, spades Request donations if possible. Good way to encourage more male participation – heavy lifting might be required! Need to have plan in place for sustaining the project; keeping plants thriving and alive.


Sustainability of the Physical Goal – ensuring that the plants thrive in the setting. Maintaining community links and developing further projects.



ANNEX B

NETWORK

UK

NAME OF ORGANISATION; NGO, TRAINING PROVIDER; VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION

IMPACT/ REACH; LOCAL, REGIONAL, NATIONAL

SUMMARY CONTACT DETAILS: Website Email Tel Address Contact person

Duchy College - Cornwall College;

Regional The College is part of the Cornwall College Corporation offers a wide range of high quality academic and vocational training. Early Child Hood Courses and Forest School training

01579 372233 Norma Barrett http://www.cornwall.ac.uk/

Plymouth University Local, Regional

Undergraduate and Post Graduate courses; teacher training and Early Child Hood Studies. Forest School modules.

www.plymouth.ac.uk Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA 01752 600600

Centre for Sustainable Futures CSF; Plymouth university

Local, Regional Part of Plymouth University; specialises in Education for Sustainable Development. Responsible for supporting curriculum development and pedagogic change and a research programme

Lynne Wyness [email protected] Paul Warwick [email protected] http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/sustainability/Pages/teachingandlearning.a



related to exploring the implications of sustainability for higher education and Plymouth University

spx

Kingfisher Pre School, Kingsand, Cornwall

Local A Pre School setting for children ages 2-4 years old. Has an ethos supporting Forest School methodology and now has two Forest School trained specialist staff members. The Pre School runs “Nature Club” sessions for older children two days of the week; where children are outside in the Forest or at the Beach for all activities.

https://www.facebook.com/KingfisherPreSchoolKingsand Helen Parker; Manager [email protected] Kingfisher pre-school (Kingsand), MEYC, Watergate,Jackman's Meadow, Kingsand, Torpoint, Cornwall. 01752 822392.

Millbrook CofE Primary School, Millbrook, Cornwall

Local A School for children aged 5-11.

http://www.millbrook.ik.org/ Millbrook CE Primary School Blindwell Hill Millbrook Cornwall, PL10 1BG 01752 822471 Ruth Belton

Fourlanesend Community Primary School

Local A School for children aged 5-11.

http://www.fourlanesendprimary.co.uk/ Jo Clarke/Rebecca Harris

Anthony House Local Forest School methodology activities provided as an outdoor education provider with expert forest rangers.

Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2QA

Telephone: 01752 812191

[email protected]

Edgcumbe Country Park and House Volunteering opportunities

Local Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall.

http://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/ Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, Cremyll, Cornwall PL10 1HZ 01752 822236

https://www.facebook.com/KingfisherPreSchoolKingsand

https://www.facebook.com/KingfisherPreSchoolKingsand




Experienced Forest Ranger Experts and committed volunteer base; including horticultural experts.

Pre School Learning Alliance

Local, Regional, National

Policy Guidance advice and learning for Pre School volunteers and staff.

https://www.pre-school.org.uk

Natural Connections; volunteering opportunities

Local, Regional The Natural Connections Demonstration Project is an exciting initiative funded by Natural England, DEFRA and English Heritage, which Plymouth University were awarded the contract to deliver. It is one of the largest outdoor learning projects in the UK and will involve around 200 schools and between 200-500 volunteers. This innovative project operates at a local, school-led level, in five ‘hubs’ across the South West. Natural Connections runs until March 2016

Laura Moore [email protected]

Communities for Kids Volunteering Opportunities

Local, Regional Three local parents who have set up 'Communities 4 Kids' which is a community interest company. Delivering: Local services and activities reduce families feeling of isolation, increase self-esteem and sense of belonging Local people are empowered through our volunteering network. Increasing individual’s self-confidence, skill base and future opportunities. Families are not disadvantaged by the barriers they experience due to where they live, finances or lack of local services.

[email protected] Petra Vesinova-Khan



Horticultural Therapy Trust

Local, Regional A service provider, providing opportunities in outdoor gardening environment for adults and children whatever needs and abilities. Providing opportunities for volunteers.

http://horticultural-therapy-trust.org/ Deb Hoskins [email protected]

BULGARIA




ADAPTATION 21, NGO

Regional Vanya Buhcheva

[email protected]

Sveti Kozma and Damyan, NGO, Day Center

Regional Ginka Mihaylova

[email protected]

CO-participation, NGO

Local Kornelia genova

[email protected]

RegioNET, NGO

Local www.regio-net.bg

Lyubomir Genov

[email protected]

Marie Curie Association, NGO

Regional Mitko Stamatov

[email protected]

www.marie-curie-bg.org

DENISI, Ltd.

Regional Hristozlava Georgieva

[email protected]

http://www.finansirane.org/

Bulgarian Dyslexia association

National Jasmina Jonkova



[email protected]

http://www.dyslexia-center.eu/

Trakia University

National Stefka Dinchiyska

[email protected]

www.uni-sz.bg

Medical Faculty

National Hristina Milcheva

[email protected]

www.uni-sz.bg

Infoart, Ltd.

Regional Tinko Stoyanov

[email protected]

www.infoart.com

CHITALISHTE Rodina, Stara Zagora

Regional Slava Draganova

[email protected]

www.rodina-bg.org

BAGATUR, NGO

National http://www.baga-tur.com/news.php Raycho Gunchev

SVETLINA, Kindergarten

Regional Joanna Dimitrova https://bg-bg.facebook.com/people

SPAIN




CENTRO EDUCATIVO MEDIOAMBIENTAL Abioncillo de Calatañazor

Regional he Town School offers extra-curricular educational activities environment for children, pupils and students from schools,

http://www.escuela-abioncillo.com/granja-escuela-aula-naturaleza.php

https://bg-bg.facebook.com/people

https://bg-bg.facebook.com/people






42 193 SORIA - Castilla y León ESPAÑA

colleges and various institutions and associations. These non-formal education courses can range from 1-15 days. The program we propose is intended to complement formal education, purely theoretical, experimental activities in nature study, research and development specific to non-formal education. By nature trails and popular culture workshops, introduce the student / to the study of a particular case: the environment and the Shire Abioncillo Calatañazor and of the province of Soria in Castile and Leon, which allows study, understanding and enjoyment of ecological, cultural and historical. The above activities are complemented in the learning village and its many workshops teaching resources and environmental science of expression and media in order to generate an active environmental education program and interdisciplinary.

Aula de la Naturaleza: Barco Solar y Valdeserrillas

Valencia The Nature Classroom Valdeserrillas in Benagéber (Valencia) is a UNIQUE Environmental Education Center, combining animal reserve and the Solar Boat. Especially dedicated as Education Program at Teachers Centers, now expanded to family groups.

http://druidas.nuevasofertas.es/aulanaturaleza/aula.html

Granja Escuela Sol del Camp

Agost Come with your cole to spend a day with us, we offer a day in the

Granja Escuela Sol del Camp Cmno. Sol del Camp, 15 03698 - Agost





countryside where you can meet our animals, live pottery discover, enjoy games and songs of our monitors and more ...

Alicante- España [email protected] Tel.: 637575651

Riera d´Agres

Rural School farm

Agres Rural lodge with complementary activities for both adults and children - School Farm - Environmental education center

Riera d´Agres Pda. la Fita, 10 03837- Agres Alicante- España

Granja Escuela La LLoma

Valverde Elche In Farm School "La Loma" we have a number of modalities with proven experience successfully endorsing edutainment, where the children are partakers of them all. Most are geared to ages 3 to 16 years, then we tell them some of them: Excursions programs 1 days where the child will enjoy typical farm work, their natural environment, in the company of more than 400 animals from different areas (sheep, bulls, deer, pigs ...), animated and directed by the monitors, will make the trip a unique experience, develop food (bread, biscuits, rolls ..), raising awareness through environmental education environmental care. The child collaborate and participate directly, you can view, play, and have animals, make crafts, meet the laboratory, stroll tractor, mounted on a pony or donkey ... How many days are required, from 1 night up to 4 escape in nature and share

GRANJA ESCUELA LA LOMA, S.L. Pda. de Valverde Alto Pol. 1 Núm. 222 - 03139- ELCHE [email protected] http://www.granjaescuelalaloma.com/2008/index.asp


http://www.granjaescuelalaloma.com/2008/index.asp

http://www.granjaescuelalaloma.com/2008/index.asp



many educational entertainment-focused work, busy day and night, with all the peculiarities of a weekend stay and multiple activities. With all the particulars of a visit, the goal is to enhance daily living among peers, the surrounding natural environment, living two nights, where various educational activities focus group participation (workshops, disco, campfire, ice skating ...), make the weekend a different and entertaining for the child. New form put into practice with great success, we try to make parents integrate with their children, just as with everything related to the natural environment, both participating in the many activities, games, entertainment and leisure. It will be a different way of living where parents / mothers and children get involved, making it a different and entertaining experience.

Clot del Galvany ELche The Galvany Clot is a privileged space for scientific research and environmental education activities, which includes the complex Balsares wet, Clot de Galvany Fondet of Senieta, the coastline and the mountains existing on a surface of 650 hectares.

C/ Portell de Granyana, s/n. Teléfono: 965 45 27 47.

CENTRO EDUCATIVO DEL

MEDIO AMBIENTE

Crevillente It has an approximate area of 70 hectares, in farmland and forest. It lies on the southern edge

Carretera Nacional 340, Alicante – Murcia km 48-49. Teléfono: 965 40 00 79.



“LOS MOLINOS” of the Sierra de Crevillente. Primarily directs its activities to groups of children and young people of school age, in areas of biology and ecology, geology, agriculture and experimental crops, alternative energy, forest restoration and hydrological correction, outdoors and astronomy. Day visits: previously selected activities by teachers or group leaders contemplate the possibility of: Itineraries: Geological, biological, agricultural, and cultural. Workshops: Astronomy, solar and wind, weather and phenology. Interactive workshop: "Ecology, living things and the environment". Stay a week: Monday to Friday, with accommodation in cabins: Thematic blocks. Monographic courses. Interdisciplinary projects.

AULA DE LA NATURALEZA MONTE COTO

Pinoso The Nature Classroom Monte Coto by its location in a saw, the the Reclot, with extraordinary natural, both biological and geological landscape, offers excellent opportunities for contact with nature through education environmental and hiking. The area comprising the Hall of Nature also has a shelter with capacity for 20 people, camping and picnic areas.

Teléfono: 965 92 83 30



CZECH REPUBLIC




National youth council National

- www.crdm.cz

Forest club Šárynky - Local http://www.ekodomov.cz/detsky-klub-sarynka/

Kindergartens - Local http://www.msmozaikaji.cz/joomla/,

Local action group Local www.massilka.cz

Regional government. department of education

Regional - www.kr-vysocina.cz

Montessori Kindergarten -

Local http://montepe.mypage.cz

Environmental centre Local

http://www.chaloupky.cz/cs/

Kindergartens in Vysosina region and Karlovarsky region

Regional

Association Hodina H Local

www.hodinah.cz

Educational farm - http://www.statekuzviratek.cz

Local - http://www.statekuzviratek.cz

http://www.crdm.cz/

http://www.ekodomov.cz/detsky-klub-sarynka/

http://www.ekodomov.cz/detsky-klub-sarynka/

http://www.msmozaikaji.cz/joomla/

http://www.msmozaikaji.cz/joomla/

http://www.massilka.cz/

http://www.kr-vysocina.cz/

http://montepe.mypage.cz/

http://www.hodinah.cz/




“SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION IN NATURE” An EU funded · PDF filesurprisingly similar and...

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