Press Release
SCHOOL CHILDREN BRANCH OUT AT GLENLIVET
20 June 2007
School pupils from Morayshire took time out from class to learn more about trees and forest management at the Glenlivet estate, as part of its annual woodland week which took place earlier this month.
The Crown Estate welcomed a number of local schools to the estate to learn about the modern forestry industry, including planting, harvesting and conservation.
Slide talks and guided walks conducted by ranger staff gave the pupils an insight into the history of the forestry industry and the important role that woodlands play in providing a wide range of public and environmental benefits.
The children also learned how to use tracks, trails and wildlife signs to identify the animals living in the forest and the key things to look when identifying different species of trees.
The highlight of the trip was a demonstration of a modern forest harvesting machine in action. The pupils were able to see at close quarters how these machines work, and talked to the operator about what it is like to work in the forest industry.
Andy Wells, Countryside and Forestry Services Manager for The Crown Estate based at Glenlivet, welcomed the opportunity to share his team’s expertise with the pupils. He said: “This is the thirteenth year running that we have held the woodland week at Glenlivet and I am delighted that local schools continue to support and participate in the event.
“Forests and woodlands are hugely important in our countryside, providing significant economic and environmental benefits for many remote rural communities. It is important that children of all ages have the opportunity to experience and enjoy trees and woodlands. Events such as these provide a chance to gain a better knowledge about the different types and role of trees in our landscape and understand more about how they are managed.”
Howard Edge, head teacher from Abernethy Primary School commented: “The woodland week at Glenlivet is always a popular activity with pupils. Not only is it a fun day out but it provides an extremely useful opportunity for children to build on work done in the classroom and to experience at first hand many of the practical aspects of looking after forests and woodland wildlife.
“We are very grateful to The Crown Estate for the educational support they provide for schools and the work they do to make it possible for our pupils to see forestry machinery at work and improve their knowledge and understanding of trees and timber.”
The primary schools that participated were Abernethy Primary, Buckie Primary from Cluny and West End Primary from Elgin.
In 2000, all The Crown Estate’s forests and woodlands gained FSC certification status and are all managed in accordance with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.
This seal of approval allows timber producers to place the coveted FSC trademark on their products. FSC fully approves viable commercial timber production but requires good environmental and social practices. It thus has the endorsement of organisations such as WWF and Greenpeace.
Glenlivet welcomes educational visits throughout the year. For further details:
Further Information
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