Radnorshire FEI Clusgter Group Meeting

Radnorshire FEI Cluster Group Meeting Monday 27th February 2012 Llanelwedd C in W School Minutes

1. Welcome, Introductions and Apologies:

Present: Kate Jones – Llanfihangel Rhydithon CP School Suzie Fraser – Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Kate Jones – Forestry Commission Wales Colin Williams – Forest School leader Hannah Nottle – Llanelwedd C in W School Adam Shearman – Llanelwedd C in W School Liz Dingle – Rhayader C in W School

Apologies: Jenny Stevens, Helen Nixon (Newbridge-on-Wye C in W School), Julie Rimmer (Rhayader C in W School)

Annual General Meeting a. Chair’s report Kate reported that the FEI cluster group has had a good year. The group organised a successful Forest School open day, which resulted in different schools, such as Newbridge-on- Wye and Llanelwedd joining the cluster group. Kate also reported that during the year the cluster group has made a Forest School resource box which various schools have been able to use so far. One of the resource boxes bought from Jenny and Bumble has also been received. Kate concluded by suggesting that if there are spare funds, the cluster group could pay for Colin to go into schools to lead Forest School activities. b. Treasurer’s report Liz reported that the cluster group spent £1060 to organise the Forest School open day and now still has over £1000 remaining in the bank account. c. Election of officers The officers for 2012 were elected as follows: Chairperson – Kate Jones & Colin Williams Treasurer – Liz Dingle Secretary – Kate Jones (FC)

Main Meeting

2. Matters arising from the last minutes and review action points: The minutes were accepted as a true record. Colin distributed photographs from the Forest School open day to those who had requested them.

3. FEI National Networking Day: The FEI National Networking Day will be held on Friday 23rd March at Gregynog Hall in Tregynon, near Newtown. The day will consist of two workshops, both an hour and a half long, and a long lunch break for networking and exploring the stands on display. There are nine workshops to choose from including green woodworking skills, charcoal making, play in the forest, drama, willow weaving and fire lighting. It costs £25 to attend the day and places must be booked ASAP. Booking information can be found at www.foresteducation.org. There are two free places available for the cluster group, which were given to Suzie Fraser and Colin Williams. It was agreed that the cluster group will pay for Hannah Nottle to attend. Suzie, Colin and Hannah will each go to different workshop and feedback to the cluster group. ACTION POINT: Suzie, Colin and Hannah to book places ASAP by contacting Kim Burnham [email protected] or Tel 0300 068 0300.

4. Forest School resource boxes: The cluster group’s Forest School resource box has been returned from Rhayader School. Llanfihangel Rhydithon School will now borrow it until the next meeting. One of the two Forest School resources boxes that the cluster group bought from Jenny Stevens and Bumble last year has now been received. It will be borrowed by Llanelwedd School until the next meeting. The second box was originally intended for Jenny and Bumble to use to promote their box making business but they are now happy for the cluster group to use it instead. It should be received soon.

5. Updates from those present:

Llanelwedd C in W School – The children are still enjoying being outside on ‘Fresh Air Fridays’, which the foundation phase children have for two hours every week whatever the weather! Hannah also does a woodland workout with her class every week. The children are growing potatoes and have planted sunflower seeds and daffodils for Mother’s Day. The school garden has been tidied and bird boxes and feeders have been put up in the school grounds. The school chickens are back after a little holiday to heaven but are now a different colour! The children are enjoying collecting and selling the eggs. As they are a small school the Eco School Committee and School Council have now combined.

Rhayader C in W School – Julie has planted hazel in the nature area. The Garden Club has been rejuvenated and has tidied the garden area. Liz’s greenhouse is still ongoing and needs wood for the frame. The school is due to have its eco flag assessment soon. They would like to put up some bird boxes, which Suzie offered to help with.

Llanfihangel Rhydithon CP School – The children are enjoying watching a new bird in their camera bird box which is linked to a television in the school. The ‘Gardening Gang’ is starting soon. The infant children have started going for ‘welly walks’ every couple of weeks but are having difficulty with access to suitable areas and footpaths. The children are keen to improve the playground and want to make their own things for it.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust – Suzie is now running a Wildlife Challenge Quiz and Big Habitat Hunt Competition for schools in Radnorshire (flyer attached). Suzie will work with a whole KS2 class in teams to do the quiz. Each team will have a specimen box of real life items which they will investigate. These relate to the five areas of the habitat survey; Hedges and edges, Is grass just grass, Treemendous trees, Blooming brilliant and Wet wonders. The results of the survey will create a ‘living map’ which will link the habitats which are good for wildlife. Suzie is also offering schools ‘Nature Tot Spot’ sessions for foundation phase children. Please contact Suzie [email protected] or Tel 01597 823298 for more information.

6. Local and National updates:

Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) - Kate is still leading a year-long Forest School programme at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre, near Aberystwyth. The group of children from a local school are going to Forest School every Thursday afternoon until next July. The sessions are currently being based on the class science topic ‘materials’. Visitors are welcome!

7. Date and venue of next meeting:

The next meeting will be held on Monday 23rd April, 4.15pm at Llanfihangel Rhydithon School, Dolau.