The School in the Forest programme, an initiative aimed at bringing environmental education into the great outdoors, once again captured the interest of schools nationwide. The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that registration for the spring term concluded within a single day. This season 30,000 primary school students will explore Hungary’s forests through thematic activities designed to foster a deeper connection with nature.
The registration process, which opened on 15 January, was tailored for educational institutions to apply for the programme, targeting pupils aged 6 to 14. With an initial cap of 500 institutions, the slots filled up within minutes, highlighting the programme’s popularity. The National Forestry Association, which coordinates the initiative, will guide the selected schools through hands-on activities that delve into the ecological and cultural richness of Hungary’s forests.
Pest County led the way in applications, with 75 schools registering, while Székesfehérvár emerged as the most active applicant among regional towns. The programme ensures that forest educators will visit schools in every county, making it a truly nationwide initiative.
The programme’s spring curriculum focuses on the themes of soil and sustainability. Children will learn about the process of humus formation, the composition of forest soil, and the fascinating world of soil-dwelling organisms. Beyond soil science, the students will gain insights into forest ecosystems, sustainable management practices, and the roles of forestry professionals. Forest educators employ engaging, playful methods to enhance environmental awareness, complementing traditional school-based education. Sessions will run from February to late May, giving students ample time to experience the benefits of outdoor learning.
In 2024 approximately 60,000 children from 1,000 educational institutions participated in the programme, spanning nearly every region of the country. Additionally, the Forest Compass initiative introduced underprivileged students to the wonders of forest education, allowing 120 groups (totaling 3,000 children) to attend one-day forest school visits. Forest schools, which have been key players in sustainability education for over 40 years, form the backbone of these efforts. They aim to establish a direct connection between children and nature, an approach that has inspired other projects such as the Forest Hiker Camps. Collectively, these initiatives foster environmental stewardship in younger generations.
The spring term’s overwhelming success has already prompted plans for the programme’s continuation in the autumn. Schools that missed this round will have another chance to register in August.
The School in the Forest programme is funded through the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) quota allocation, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture, and coordinated by the National Forestry Association.
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