Environmental Learning Project
Download leaflet - click here
Caerdroia Education and Training (CET) provision is addressing social and economic exclusion through woodland activities contributing to rural regeneration and health and well being locally. The creation of woodland-based training programmes is offered as an alternative to mainstream, classroom based approaches to education and training. CET offers a unique resource for those seeking a new context for both soft and hard skills development in a safe, supportive and peaceful environment.
CET offers individual and group activities based on a unique mix of:
• Eco therapy including meditation and contemplation of the natural environment and how individuals perceive and are affected by it
• art based therapy including storytelling / digital storytelling, rites of passage training and traditional bodhran drumming
• practical training including forest management, eco-construction, environmental conservation, countryside skills and artistic activities
• soft skills including interpersonal, organisational, analytical and personal skills development
• accredited qualification through OCN
.
CET provides a holistic approach to training by combining spiritual activities like meditation and contemplation with hands-on accredited training for people who may be out of work, otherwise disadvantaged, or just in need of an uplifting experience.
Available to
Mental health centres, Probation Services, groups representing interests of socially excluded, CBCC Secondary Schools (Alternative Curriculum).
Target Group
Hands on training for socially excluded groups of six to fifteen 16+ year olds
Description of provision
Golygfa Gwydyr will facilitate people through a choice of woodland tasks including:
• Environmental education Awareness raising and contemplation of the natural environment through meditation and teaching methods / activities based on Joseph Cornell’s Sharing Nature Foundation
• Arts based activity. Use of theatrical training techniques as therapeutic and self-discovery tools to develop empathy with and expression of the natural environment e.g. rites of passage training. Use of traditional and digital storytelling sessions as therapy to capture life events and experiences. Drum making; drumming sessions for meditation and relaxation - under certain circumstances the beating of a drum can alter the way we feel about ourselves and the world, and in many instances, it is how we feel that influences how our body reacts to outside pressures. Sound is sacred and sacred sounds can heal
• Construction projects to engage beneficiaries in building structures for community use, e.g. building temporary eco buildings, help to construct woodland learning spaces, build willow structures, path building and maintenance, backstage and front stage theatre areas.
• Timber processing, use of traditional tools, timber construction, carving.
• Woodland management, e.g. identify and survey plant species, brash clearance, coppicing, and tree planting.
All tasks will:
• Build soft skills including teamwork, leadership, communication, problem solving, project planning and decision making skills.
• Build confidence through learning, participation and by contributing to a valued community resource.
• Improve health and well being through ‘green gym’ activity and quiet reflection in a safe, supportive and peaceful environment.
• Raise environmental awareness through contemplation of the natural environment using meditation and teaching methods and activities based on Joseph Cornell’s Sharing Nature Foundation
• Explore and celebrate the sensory, environmental and linguistic heritage of Gwydir Forest
• Compliment formal training and education leading to improved employment opportunities
• Provide OCN accreditation opportunities (in fields of environmental, conservation, forestry, construction, working practices and relations, confidence building)
• Provide opportunity to gain John Muir Award
• Provide opportunity to gain WCVA ‘Millennium Volunteer’s Award’ (16 – 24 year olds only)
The project will:
• Cover costs of materials, equipment and tools
• Provide safety clothing and equipment
• Cover costs of OCN accreditation
• Provide skilled sessional workers
• Provide First Aider
• Provide transport from FCW Gwydir Uchaf to Caerdroia site only
What is not included:
1. Transport to and from Caerdroia.
2. Meals.
3. Provision for special needs, e.g. individual supervision, equipment.
Contact details
Wyn Roberts, Golygfa Gwydyr, Swyddfa Menter Iaith Conwy, Y Sgwar, Llanrwst, Conwy LL26 0LG. Tel: 01492 641415. Mbl: 07789 962543.
Email: golygfa.gwydyr@hotmail.co.uk
Roger Davies, Golygfa Gwydyr, Yr Hen Feudy, Llanrhychwyn, Trefriw, Conwy LL27 0YJ. Tel: 01492 640203. Mbl: 07792 237927.
Email: rogerd@golygfagwydyr.org
Costs
Costs up to end March 2009
No charge
Minimum session: 4 hours.
Supported by:
Rural Comunity Action Conwy 
CAE 