7 days ago
New award for Wales to bring forest education to youngsters
The Welsh edition of the award was launched by the Royal Forestry Society, with support from Natural Resources Wales, at the Royal Welsh Show.
It will help inspire youngsters to learn about their local trees and woodlands.
Since its launch in 2019, 100,000 children and young people have participated in the RFS Junior Forester Award across England and Scotland.
The Welsh award means those in Wales can now take part in activities and resources which meet the specific needs of the Curriculum for Wales.
The six-session programme, available in Welsh and English, is designed to suit all ages from four to 14 and aims to give children the skills and knowledge to care for the trees in their school grounds and in the wider community.
The Welsh edition includes an explanation of how each section relates to the Curriculum for Wales, links to NRW resources, ideas for places to visit and Welsh projects to get involved in.
Becky Wilkinson, author of the JFA, said: 'Over the past six years, it has been wonderful to see how much children have benefitted from the Junior Forester Award and enjoyed taking responsibility for the trees in their community.'
Lyndsey Rawlinson, NRW's head of land stewardship, said: 'As managers of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate covering 126,000 hectares we welcome this award which helps children and young people gain an insight into forestry.
'Trees play an essential role in delivering our well-being objectives to help nature and people thrive and children are key to helping deliver this for future generations.'
The award can be used by schools, community organisations or families who want to get their kids or pupils engaged in their natural surroundings.
All that is needed is access to a small number of trees, a free downloadable Junior Forester Award handbook for the leader and a booklet for each child.
Downloadable certificates are provided for free by the RFS and optional badges are available for purchase on the RFS online shop.
