"The Forest Education Initiative (FEI) is a partnership between the forestry and timber-processing sectors, environmentalists and educators.

It aims to increase young people's understanding and enjoyment of timber, trees and forest environments and the important role that these play in sustainable lifestyles.

FEI works with young people through its national network of local cluster groups. There are four active cluster groups in Powys.

These are independent groups, managed within their local communities and attuned to local needs. FEI was set up in 1993 and is GB-wide.

It aims to to increase the use of woodlands and related industries for first hand learning by educators and others and to increase opportunities for individuals and communities to learn about the importance of trees and forests for conservation of the environment, for the landscape, and for biodiversity.

It also increase the opportunities for people to learn about the link between the tree and everyday wood products and the social, economic and environmental benefits of wood as a sustainable resource, both locally and globally.

Another goal is to provide opportunities for individuals and communities to improve their emotional and physical well being through a range of educational, training and learning experiences with wood, trees and woodlands.

The Montgomeryshire FEI Cluster Group was formed in 2002 and is one of the four clusters in Powys. The cluster includes representatives from Coed Cymru, local schools both primary and infant, forest school leaders and independent woodland consultants.

Montgomeryshire FEI cluster group aims to promote outdoor woodland learning to all age groups in the area and endeavour to make projects accessible to all in Montgomery."

Article by Mel Chandler