From a minibeast safari to woodland crafts: The Environmental Education Project announces events for 2022

South Derbyshire’s Environment Education project (EEP) have recently announced they’ll be hosting a variety of activities running throughout 2022 - a great way for families to have fun outdoors, whilst spending time in nature and enjoying the woodlands of the National Forest.  

The EEP team work with individuals, schools, families, local environmental groups and businesses on a varied programme of activities including paid-for sessions and volunteering activities based at Rosliston Forestry Centre, in the heart of the National Forest.  

This year the EEP has a variety of events planned for families and individuals - with the aim of increasing awareness of the environment, learning new skills and increasing knowledge of wildlife and nature, all whilst having fun outdoors. From bird identification sessions to woodland crafts and minibeast safaris, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

This year, the team are also focusing events on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, an opportunity for children to learn about the environment and the country’s history and culture, with activities based around ‘Kings and Vagabonds’, ‘Royal Forests’ and ‘Tree Times’, all available for schools to take part in onsite, or as part of a visit from the team to local schools. Each participating school will also receive four saplings and a memorial plaque to take back to school with them to help commemorate the Jubilee.   

The EEP also delivers school visits, outreach events, and supports volunteer groups to take part in a range of activities including pond dipping, bat walks, wildlife watch sessions and woodland visits within the National Forest to enable pupils to benefit from nature and link school visits to a variety of topics across the national curriculum. The Easter egg layers trail is the perfect way for families to explore the network of trails at Rosliston, whilst learning about the fascinating wildlife in the National Forest.

There are also a range of activities for families coming up this spring, a great way to witness the Forest in all its seasonal glory. The beginner bird watching session is the ideal way to increase your knowledge of birds, as you see what feathered inhabitants you can spot from the onsite hide. Or join birding for beginners' leaders on a guided walk to hear the glorious dawn chorus and learn to identify individual bird calls.  

There will also be ‘Think Like a Tree’ taster sessions available, suitable for children over 7 years old and adults, which will introduce themes and ideas from the ‘Think Like a Tree’ course, looking at how nature can inspire us to be more resilient, to cope with change and accept challenges to grow.  

The National Forest works in partnership with the EEP to create an accessible and sustainable Forest by delivering activities that support opportunities for outdoor learning and volunteering, as well as showcasing the environmental work taking place within the Forest. 

Find out more about South Derbyshire’s Environment Education Project and see their full calendar of events for 2022 on the South Derbyshire District Council website.