Cowal/Bute and Helensburgh/Lomond
Argyll and Bute

FEI Cluster Group, Cowal/Bute & Helensburgh/Lomond obtained funding from FEI, Fund Manager to: Update Duchess Wood Pack and add New Wood Technology Section. New paper copy of pack and DVD/CDs have been produced and distributed to 25 primary schools in cluster area. Also included in funding bid was, the 3rd and final year of Green Woodworking Travelling Workshop, Trees Past and present with final eight schools, to be completed by May 2008.

We are currently working in partnership with Dunoon Grammar School/2nd Year “Superstars” - positive thinking reward initiative and The Walking Theatre Company Ltd in the outdoor woodland production of Macbeth’s “The Tempest”

Other partnership projects include working with Jackie McBurney, David Bellamy Award Co-ordinator, Cowal Leisure/Drimsynie Estate, highlighting the importance of woodland diversity through environmental events.

The FEI group are also involved in arranging school visits to a local Sawmill, Ridings Sawmill at Cardross. The visits help children to make the vital link between trees and wood products and a greater understanding of the social and economic importance of trees and timber.

The FEI group have produced a video to be used either prior to a visit or as a follow on activity in the classroom. The video helps to explain the sawmilling process and the safety proceedures required at the site.