A COMPREHENSIVE guide to help woodland owners develop their spaces for educational access has been launched. 

The document, titled Developing a woodland space for educational access, supports landowners who wish to open their woodlands for learning activities It offers practical advice on establishing a safe space for children and young people to learn and explore.

Recent reports from Natural England have highlighted the sizeable benefits of outdoor learning in natural environments. Woodlands, in particular, provide engaging settings for children and young people to explore, discover and gain hands-on experiences to support their physical health and mental well-being.

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Additionally, forest education gets children interested in woodlands and the outdoor world from a young age, fostering their skills and laying the groundwork for future generations of foresters and land-based professionals.

The guidance was produced as a Forest Education for England (FENE) collaboration between the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), Forestry England, forest school training provider, Cambium Sustainable and Rooted Structures, a company specialising in building outdoor learning environments. The document was funded by the Forestry Commission via the Woodland Access Implementation Plan.

Helen Townsend, head of people, landscape and historic environment at the Forestry Commission, said: “The Forestry Commission was delighted to support the Royal Forestry Society to produce this guidance.

"It will really help landowners to consider how their woodlands might be used to help inspire future generations of foresters, and to connect people with nature.

"Together with the resources that the Forest Education Network for England (FENE) provides, there is no shortage of ideas and good practice to support the provision of more hands-on learning experiences.”

The document highlights that learning outside can be delivered in low-cost ways and is easier to implement than woodland owners might think.

It covers both occasional visiting groups and regular, year-round activities, addressing crucial aspects such as land use designations, insurance requirements, tree safety assessments and ecosystem impact management. It also provides insights on creating inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs, including those with physical disabilities.

Sam Goddard, co-director of Cambium Sustainable and co-author of the guidance, said: "It has long been clear that educational visits to natural spaces can be hugely beneficial to children and young people of all ages.

"From learning more about land management, to discovering the variety and beauty of a local woodland, these trips are a crucial part of all children's educational journey."

Key features of the guidance include:

1. Site selection criteria for educational spaces

2. Pre-visit preparations and safety considerations

3. Advice on creating paths, boundaries, and signage

4. Options for temporary and permanent site facilities

5. Ecosystem impact management

Becky Wilkinson, learning and outreach manager at the RFS said: “We know that many foresters and woodland owners would like to invite groups into their woodlands for education but aren’t sure of the best way to go about this. We hope that this guide gives affordable, practical advice that can increase the education opportunities available for the foresters of the future.”

Developing a woodland space for educational access is now available to view and download on the Royal Forestry Society website (rfs.org.uk/fene/fene-resource-hub/woodland-educational-access-guidance/). Woodland owners, educators, and anyone interested in promoting outdoor learning are encouraged to access this valuable resource.