Introduction
The following lesson plans are a small taster of the activities that can be undertaken in your local Forestry Commission Woodland. With this asset right on your doorstep you will be able to make it a part of your school day and everyday life. Community woodlands are perfect as a green classroom as well as somewhere to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Let us give you a flavour of our woodlands by revealing some of the lessons that you can run by taking a minitrip around our community woodlands. First, a well-planned introduction to the site will provide children with the opportunity to explore and spark their enthusiasm:
Forestry Commission Woodlands comprise of three distinct habitats with differing lesson opportunities;
1. Open Water
The ponds offer opportunities for pond dipping as well as observing wildlife, so our ponds are home to many different creatures including Newts, Beetles and Dragonflies. Some sites have well-established neighbours which help to increase the overall wildlife, not just in open water but across the whole of the woodland.
Our main site for pond dipping is The Thames Chase Forest Centre. Other sites do have open water but is either seasonal or do not have a dipping platform.
2. Wooded Areas
The woodland areas are planted with a variety of native species. These can range from scrub species such as hawthorn to larger deciduous and coniferous trees such as Oak and Scots Pine. Woodlands are ideal places to learn about trees and wildlife in your local environment.
3. Meadows
Wildflower meadows are diverse habitats, which are home to an array of plant and animal life. Many of our sites have large wildflower meadows especially Pages Wood and The Thames Chase Forest Centre. Meadows are in their prime during the summer months when the grass is long and the flowers are in bloom. These areas are great for insects, reptiles and small mammals as well as ground - nesting birds like the skylark.
