Introduction to the tree trunk online

 

Welcome to the tree trunk online, a guide to resources available about trees, woods and forests.

• Are you a teacher?  Use these resources to help meet your curriculum requirements.
• Do you work with community groups?  Use these resources to inspire and inform.
• Perhaps you just love trees?  Add to your own and your family's enjoyment by obtaining some of the items reviewed here.

What's it all about?

The tree trunk pilot project was started in 1996. Initially 24 'trunks', packed with carefully selected books, posters, videos, sound tapes and leaflets, were promoted to and made accessible for schools and community groups in four regions of Scotland. A handbook gave information on each item and on how it could be used.

The tree trunk partners now want to bring the benefits of the tree trunk to a wider audience and have developed the tree trunk online. This provides a wealth of information about resources which were felt to be most relevant and of most value to teachers delivering a range of courses in Scotland. There are links to the relevant curriculum, advice on how to use the materials, a listing of useful organisations, a bibliography and a glossary, as well as a guide to setting up a community woodland.

Start Exploring the Tree Trunk Online

Directory of Organisations

Bibliography

Glossary

Contacts and Feedback


Why was the Tree Trunk produced?

Woodlands and well-designed forests provide a rich habitat for a wide range of birds and animals. They provide places for recreation and are a source of raw material for a large, modern, forestry industry employing thousands of people across the country. They are also, potentially, a wonderful context for learning.

All of these benefits can only be realised if the people of Scotland have an awareness of their variety and value. When people work with these materials, their understanding of the range of issues and opportunities should be increased. The ultimate aim is that the people of Scotland should act together to conserve and enhance the environment.

How have the contents of the Tree Trunk Online been selected?

Over 40 people were consulted on what should go into the original tree trunk. They included teachers, community workers, rangers, foresters, woodland experts, members of the public and staff of national organisations. The final selection was made against a list of agreed criteria: most importantly, that the materials should provide teachers and leaders with an inspirational resource on a theme of major environmental significance.

The resulting selection comes from a range of organisations, but is not exhaustive. The tree trunk online has been brought up to date with new materials and revised links to reflect recent developments in the school curriculum.