SEEING THE WOOD IN THE TREES
Beecraigs Country Park was transformed into an outdoor classroom last week thanks to the Woodland Trust Scotland. They invited primary schools from across West Lothian to participate in a unique to journey to learn about the importance of woodland management.
During each woodland session, children watched trees being felled as part of the thinning programme before the trees were sawn in preparation for use. Then they had the chance to try their hand at woodturning helping create a bench for their school.
The event was part of the Trust’s Branching Out West Lothian project which aims to increase understanding of woodland amongst local school children.
Kate Walters Learning Project Officer for the Trust said, “Real-world experiences are an excellent way to bring learning to life. We hope that through events like this, children will gain a better understanding of why it is important to care for and manage woodland whilst providing a sense of kinship with their local surroundings.”
The project has received funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Executive, Forward Scotland through the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme and West Lothian Council plus the support of the West Lothian Council Ranger Service.
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Notes to editors
Participating Schools: Livingston Primary School, Linlithgow Primary School, Kirknewton Primary School, Polkemmet Primary School, Addiewell Primary School, Bellsquarry Primary School, St.Paul’s RC Primary, Woodmuir Primary
For media enquiries contact: Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979706675 or The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail media@woodland-trust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust: The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims: i) No further loss of ancient woodland; ii) Restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; iii) Increasing new native woodland; iv) Increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres).
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. Today the Trust owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,100 hectares. Further news can be accessed via www.woodland-trust.org.uk
