Whinlatter forest park to be turned into open-air classroom

By Chris Story

Last updated 12:24, Friday, 14 November 2008

A forest park near Keswick is going to become part of a massive open-air classroom.

Whinlatter is to form a section of an outdoor education and learning network being set up by the Forestry Commission across north-west England.

The team there are joining forces with education rangers at Grizedale Forest, south Cumbria, and Delamare Forest in Cheshire to take children out of the conventional classroom and into the natural world to help teach them more about the environment.

The scheme will be launched next spring.

Key topics will include climate change, sustainability and ecology.

Other topics such as social and health issues as they relate to the environment will also be included.

Forestry Commission ranger Nathan Fox, who will be driving the project in north and west Cumbria, said: “This is a really exciting time for me, the education team and the Forestry Commission in the north west.

“We want to get more people in touch with current environmental issues, such as climate change, and we think there’s no better place to learn than in your local forest park or community woodland.

“First-hand experience of the natural world is the key to generating lifelong positive attitudes towards the environment.

“Woodlands can offer an accessible, safe, varied and stimulating setting for learning, play and adventure for all ages and abilities,” added Mr Fox.

The commission’s education team will also be working in communities across the north west to help people in urban areas and those with limited access to woodland rediscover natural green spaces on their doorstep.