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EDUCATION |
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Local schools have come to Chopwell Wood for educational purposes for many years. School visits have now been enhanced by the addition of a Forest Classroom and associated Nature Trail and Pond.
The refurbishment of the Forestry Commission offices, to form the Classroom, was jointly funded by the Friends and the Forestry Commission. The Classroom was officially opened in November 1996. Over 1000 children visit each year and use the Classroom as a base for finding out all about the Wood and its plants and wildlife. |
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 Following the opening of the Classroom, the Friends funded the construction of a Nature Trail. This half mile (800 m) looped route, which starts at the Classroom, winds its way through a variety of habitats. The Mayor of Gateshead, Frank Donovan, opened the Nature Trail in April 1998
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| In 1999, a pond was constructed close to the Classroom for educational
purposes. Further wildlife habitats have been added around the Meadow
area next to the pond. |
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During Spring 2001 the Forest Classroom was expanded, and is now about 50% bigger. A bird feeder station has also been set up outside the classroom window. A living Willow woven tunnel complex has added even more interest for visitors of all ages.
An education leaflet for Chopwell Wood has been produced, outlining curriculum-linked visits for both Key Stage I and II. The Classroom and Guided Walks can be booked by schools, and other groups, through the Forestry Commission Education Ranger, at Hamsterley Forest, on 01388 488312
Many of the events listed on the Events Programme page are educational in nature: for example the "Orienteering for Beginners". Northern Navigators have been using Chopwell Wood for many years for Orienteering purposes, and this popular sport teaches a lot about map reading skills. The Orienteering club have set up two orienteering courses with sponsorship support from the "Friends". The "Compact" course is particularly suitable for schools, with all of the marker points within 600 metres of the Main Car Park. Maps are available from the "Friends" or the Forestry Commission - Compact Course Map costs £1, and Full Course Map costs £1.50 - both plus p&p.
© Copyright 2008 - Friends of Chopwell Wood