Waste

Aim 

The ethos of Forest School is very much related to taking care of the environment.  Children need to make the links between what they see and do and the impact this can have.  Ensuring there is no waste left when we leave the woods or site is essential.

‘Take nothing but memories. Leave nothing but footprints.’

Explaining why we need to leave no waste is an essential element of caring for ourselves and the environment we live in. We aim to support The Countryside Code.

The main type of waste on a GLO club day relate to food, litter, water and the fire pit.

1. Food - All members of the group will be informed that any food that is not eaten must be taken back with the individuals.  Food left in the woods can cause harm to the fauna in the wood.  Waste food will not be burned in the fire.  It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure all their rubbish and waste food is removed with them.  The group leader will always check the site before leaving.

2. Litter -  All members of the group will be made aware of issues surrounding left litter such as spoiling the landscape, endangering wildlife, polluting soil and water. Again, all members of the group will be informed that any wrappers etc must be taken back with the individual.

3. Water - Water is a very valuable resource and needs to be seen as such.  Water is needed for drinking (this will be held in a specified water container), hand washing and the fire pit.  Water used for hand washing will be recycled by being used to put out the fire.  

4. Fire Pit - In the majority of cases the fire will be lit in a portable fire pit. At the end of each session the fire will be allowed to die down and then will be extinguished using the water from hand washing as well as the water container. The cold Ash and burned wood will be scattered or buried to ensure that the look of the site isn't effected.