Dyfi FEI
Gwynedd, Powys

The Dyfi Forest Education Initiative Cluster Group has successfully been awarded grant money from FEI, Awards for All and Communities First Trust Fund to run various projects including a pilot Forest School Scheme in the Dyfi Valley area. The focus of the group is to raise awareness of the woodland environment and its many resources to the public, particularly young people.

A pilot project ran over 20 Forest School sessions offered to local schools and educational groups, which trialled two new educational programs. One, a sustainable settlement program, gave children the opportunity to learn about the interrelationship between people and the land and resources around them. The children had the opportunity to design and create their own settlement. The second program explored ancient Celtic modes of communication, namely the Ogham alphabet. This is very similar to the runic alphabet but is interwoven with the uses and symbolism of native trees.

Future projects include the building of a roundhouse on the grounds of Ysgol Bro Dyfi and the completion of a Tree Nursery project.

The group meets bi-monthly and welcomes all interested parties from the Dyfi Valley and surrounding areas.