“Forests and woodlands are the new fuel for learning” Roseanna Cunningham Dec 2009
The belief that an inspirational experience for the envrionment at a young age leaves a lasting connection with nature was the inspiration behind a three year project called Branching Out West Lothian (BOWL).
Launched in 2007 BOWL aimed to make the Trust's holding in West Lothain more welcoming and encourage local people to get out and enjoy woodland and in particular to work with local schools to develop a woodland learning programme which would inspire and educate children about woodland.
The aims of the project were achieved by;
- Giving skills and confidence to primary school teachers in outdoor learning through CPD training
- Providing ongoing support for primary school teachers in the production of locally focused resource materials
- Building wider community engagement through close partnership working
- Supporting independent/informal engagement through the provision of maps, leaflets and audio guides to encourage more people who would not normally visit the woods
- Improving access and biodiversity through specific management work
The project had strong local support to bring about great understanding and involvement in their local natural heritage.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Forward Scotland through the Community Environmental Scheme and West Lothian Council.