Many people go into the forest for an intense experience of nature: you are literally surrounded by nature. Social attention for forests is also increasing. Forests make a valuable contribution to climate adaptation, biodiversity and water retention. Many municipalities are therefore investing in the creation of Tiny Forests. Numerous large and small woodland areas are also being created in schoolyards and childcare centres because greenery contributes to children's learning and development. Moreover, children are tomorrow's green ambassadors. And we desperately need them to keep our planet liveable.

Programme

After the opening by the conference chair, Marc Veekamp (IVN), Daan Bleichrodt (IVN) will officially launch the programme. Daan will take us through the success of the Tiny Forests. He will present the first results of monitoring these small wildernesses. He will also focus on the educational opportunities offered by a Tiny Forest.

The second plenary speaker is Claire Warden (Mindstretchers). Drawing on her experience in her Scottish forest kindergartens, she will introduce us to ‘Nature Pedagogy’. In particular, she will discuss the educational value of forests and woodland areas. She will encourage you to consider the minimum size of a woodland area for children and the relationship between age and forest experiences. Her contribution will be in English.

Workshops

There will be eight workshops during the conference. An overview is provided below:

1. Tiny Forest, from idea to realisation. Led by Ilse Suijkerbuijk, IVN Nature Education.

2. The possibilities of a Tiny Forest at school and in out-of-school care. Led by Eveline van Oudbroekhuizen and Vivian van Deel, IVN Nature Education (round 2 only).

3. Woodlands for a varied play environment. Led by Sigrun Lobst, Aardrijk.

4. The Outdoor Buffet: edible nature in the play environment. Led by Rick van Cleef, IVN Nature Education.

5. The Indoor Forest: greenery in the classroom. Led by Maarten Bruns, IVN Nature Education.

6. What can and may you do in the forest? Safety and exploration for 0–4-year-olds. Led by Hester Walda, Donkergroen.

7. Toddlers in their habitat: where and how do you do that? Led by Matthijs de Gruijter, Struin.

8. Learning to see the forest through teaching methods. Led by Erwin Groenenberg, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences.

Discussion salons

There will also be three discussion salons:

  • Salon 1: A conversation with Daan Bleichrodt
  • Salon 2: Meeting Claire Warden
  • Salon 3: Feedback on Tiny Forest (round 1 only, no open registration).

Registration

Registration is possible from 20 May 2019 via this page.