THE woodlands of Wales have been celebrated at a major conference.

As part of its pledge to care for the forests and woodlands of Wales, Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) hosted the conference to help raise awareness of the wide range of Welsh woodland education programmes.

The third Woodlands for Learning conference was aimed at those interested in using woodlands for learning, and was supported by partners from across Wales including Flintshire LEA, University of Wales Bangor, Denbighshire Countryside Services, Groundwork, Coleg Llysfasi and the Welsh College of Horticulture.

Sue Ginley, Forest Education and health manager, who will be speaking at the event said: 'The woodlands of Wales offer first-hand opportunities for learning about natural and cultural heritage, environmental awareness, sustainable development and healthy lifestyles.

'FCW's Woodlands for Learning team is committed to maximising the use of woodlands for learning - a priority for action in the Welsh Assembly's Woodland Strategy for Wales.'

Presentations covered topics such as Forest School, Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship, as well as giving an overview of Woodlands for Learning in Wales.

And delegates had plenty of opportunity to tackle some new skills with practical workshops on a wide range of subjects, including music and drama in the woods, woodland-based curriculum trails, tips and tricks for teaching in woodlands, practical forest school and working with willow.