Clackmannanshire may be small but it has a fantastic array of open spaces, just waiting to be explored! The Ranger service has a long history of helping groups/schools to take learning outdoors by providing help and support or by running sessions.
There are many approaches to outdoor learning and different groups will benefit from different things. At present the ranger service can offer
The rangers have a long history of delivering sessions to support learning in the classroom. Our approach is very flexible and we will tailor our sessions to meet the needs of your group. Some of the topics we cover are
More recently we have delved into other area such as maths, language, music and art! Just ask and the ranger service will do its best to cover any topic you can think of.
Forest Schools is a long term, ethos based approach to outdoor learning. Forest Schools programmes take place over a period of time, in a woodland and focus on hands on, learner led experiences. The approach is firmly rooted in pedagogy.
Forest schools programmes must be led by qualified Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioners. The ranger service has one Level 3 practitioner and one Level 4 practitioner / Trainer.
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme developed by the John Muir Trust. To achieve the award participants have to discover a wild place, explore it, conserve it and then share it. There are several levels to the award and the time commitments reflect the level.
The Rangers can help you deliver aspects of the award, or help you plan what you are going to do.
Encouraging wildlife into your school/centre grounds is not only great for biodiversity but it also provides a wealth of learning opportunities. The rangers can help you with advice and practical help.
It is a lot of work to keep our core sites, paths and outdoor areas in good shape. If your class/group would like to be involved in any practical conservation work, either as part of an award or project, let us know and we will either point you in the right direction or come out and work with you on a specific project.
Scotland has some of the most open access to the countryside in the world! There are a huge array of places you can use with your class/groups.
Clackmannanshire also has an impressive network of core paths throughout the county. All schools are within a short distance of this network
There are also lots of other local sites which you can use.
Clackmannanshire OWLS Group is committed to promoting outdoor learning in Clackmannanshire. We provide outdoor learning training and we also have equipment which members can access.
OWLS Groups are dotted across the country and members can access other training as well as the local courses.
For information on your rights and responsibilities in the Countryside, please refer to the Outdoor Access Code.
Countryside Rangers
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: rangers@clacks.gov.uk