Wild about Woodlands, with National Trust Ranger Clive Whitbourn

Date/Time

 Mon 22/03/2021
 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Clive Whitbourn introduces us to the Fontmell Down Forest School Woodland Site. This beautiful Forest School site is set high upon the downs within the Cranborne Chase AONB and has been designed as a site for outdoor learning and inspiration.

Clive will give us an introduction to the concept of Forest Schools and explain how hands-on learning in such outdoor environments can help people develop personal, social and technical skills through improved confidence and self esteem. Through Clive’s work, and through a new partnership between the National Trust and the Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme called Wonderful Woodlands, this site will become more accessible to schools and community groups in North Dorset and South Wiltshire. 

Join Clive as he explores the site as a perfect venue for wild art, bug hunts, woodland games, fire-making, den building, outdoor cooking, and all sorts of other wild adventures and as we start to understand the benefits of outdoor learning and woodland experiences not just for young people but for all of us.

Find out how you can get involved as a volunteer or how you and your group can book the area for your learning adventures.

Clive’s association with Forest Schools began five years ago after he visited the Bath Skyline Forest School Project and then went on to complete his Forest School Level 3 training. As the National Trust Ranger for the area, Clive has gone on to develop the Forest School on Fontmell Down.

This private broadleaved woodland, owned by the National Trust, can be hired out exclusively by schools and community groups for use as a Forest School. The site is surrounded by wildlife and rich open downland – ideal to explore, let off steam, fly kites and play parachute games.

If you would like to get involved in our Wonderful Woodlands project, please contact the Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme Ranger Roland Hughes rolandhughes@cranbornechase.org.uk

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