Woodland Bus
Taking woodlands into schools across Perthshire
As the Woodland Bus project comes to a close, thousands of school children throughout Perthshire have learnt more about the trees and animals on their doorstep.
As part of the three year Perthshire Big Tree Country Heritage & Access Project, the Woodland Bus visited, or had contact with, almost all of the primary schools throughout Perth & Kinross, as well as some nursery and SEN schools too!
By taking woodlands into the school grounds, the bus helped teachers and pupils make the links between learning and their natural heritage.
The aim of the bus was to act as a catalyst, encouraging children outdoors to explore the fantastic trees and forests found around Big Tree Country.
Time will tell whether it has been successful in its aim but reports so far, through Perth's Greenspace Ranger, are that more schools are contacting him to take children out to explore the woodlands and green spaces in and around Perth.
A wide range of people accompanied the bus on its travels, from woodworkers to countryside rangers and representatives from Active Schools and Eco Schools.
Each school was offered a session on the bus and a hands on workshop, allowing children and teachers to experience different learning opportunities connected with trees and woodland heritage.
By involving children in practical activities they were able to make connections between trees, forests, wood and their day-to-day living.
The bus also brought together a range of expertise and different educational initiatives.
Most importantly, it was a lot of fun for everyone.
