Thursday 11 February 2016

Sharing Skills for Outdoor Learning

We now have a varied programme of outdoor learning at Corehead Farm, with Adventure clubs, Junior Rangers, School visits and family activities.
Thinking up new activities and ideas to run is a very rewarding challenge!

Luckily there is a really supportive network of people working in the outdoors, supported by the Forestry Commission called  'Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland' or 'OWL'

Borders Forest Trust attends local OWL meetings, where there is a chance to share what we are doing with other organisations, learn about new opportunities such as funds or local events and in the afternoon share skills.

Last week, I was over in Mabie Forest, where we did a spot of winter tree identification

Looking at tree buds - a usual aid to tree identification in winter


and had a go at tying  some different knots. These techniques will be passed on to Junior Rangers when we come to build our shelters at Corehead! 

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches!

Its really inspiring to see what other charities and trusts are up to. Earlier in the year I took a holiday up to Abriachan Forest Trust. to attend a weekend OWL event focused on winter skills and mammal tracking.

 As we embark on fund-raising for our log cabin project at Corehead, its interesting to see other buildings and structures used for outdoor learning. 



Classroom in the woods!
'Tree House' in a cleared patch of conifers
The green-woodwork shed
Round house in the making


I learn a range of skills, including making torches, with pine resin and bees wax 



Fire lighting and the art of whittling a 'feather stick' (not easy!)



and an introduction to tracking mammals 




Who's print is this!!? 






We have a range of activities coming up at Corehead Farm,  so do book on and come along to have fun in the outdoors. 

Ali Murfitt
Community and Education Officer 

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