Immerse yourself in the forest environment with all your senses - further training in forest education at HNEE

In February/March 2022, practitioners from the forestry sector will once again have the opportunity to acquire a nationally recognised certificate in the course "State-recognised forest educator" at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). People with a special interest in forests and environmental education can develop their skills on the "Forest Education in Theory and Practice" course. Registrations are possible until 14 January 2022.

Forest education is learning through experience. Forest educators interpret the forest and transform boring facts and figures into exciting, self-made experiences in the forest habitat and ecosystem with the help of stimulating activities for forest visitors. Sustainable, near-natural forest management in the 21st century on the one hand and intensive use of the forest as a recreational area on the other require trained mediators between the forest, forestry and society. State-certified forest educators can fulfil this role and use their passion for the forest to create a positive relationship between people and the forest among forest visitors. They share their in-depth knowledge of the forest's ecosystem services, e.g. as a CO2 reservoir, oxygen producer and water filter and the use of native tree species, with interested children, young people and adults.

During the training programme, participants learn which creative, didactic methods are best suited to imparting knowledge about the forest and its inhabitants to the relevant target groups. Forest education also conveys values such as respect for nature and the environment and responsible use of the natural resources left to us.

The thematic blocks include pedagogical and psychological basics, insights into adventure and wilderness education, health tourism, forestry, soil science, ecology, forest tours (music, art, Cornell activities) as well as legal principles and methods of education for sustainable development (ESD). The course concludes with a 2.5-day outdoor first aid course. An 80-hour internship at a forest school follows for all participants who would later like to take the "State-recognised forest educator" exam.

A total of 18 places are available for the 4-week course, which takes place from 14 February to 11 March 2022 at the HNE Eberswalde on the forest campus. The fees amount to 1,600 euros plus VAT. The examination fee for the forest pedagogy certificate is €200 plus VAT.

Registrations are still possible until 14 January 2022. The course is recognised as educational leave in the state of Brandenburg. Employees can take up to ten working days off work from their employer.

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