Netherlands

“The wooden path of Theodoor”: a nature trail for children.

Location: Near Orvelte (Drenthe)

Year established: 2004

Ownership: Staatsbosbeheer (National Forest Service)

Background

Nature trails for children are important facilities to let children “return” to nature as well as to involve them. Increasingly, in urbanised societies, such as the Netherlands, children often grow up in a pre-defined and regulated environment where it’s hard to get some experiences in a natural setting. Providing stimulating and beautiful nature trails, with information specially focused on children, can play an important role in creating these experiences and arousing the children’s interest for nature.

The “Wooden path of Theodoor” is situated near Orvelte in the province of Drenthe (in the north eastern part of The Netherlands). Orvelte is a little village, well known for its cultural heritage, and surrounded by woods that are managed by the National Forest Service. It is a kind of an open-air museum and one of the most popular touristic spots in this part of The Netherlands. But… for children there not very many interesting activities. That is why the National Forest Service and the regional Recreation Authority took the initiative to construct a nature trail of about 0,5 km, which is interesting specially for little children. The trail can be reached easily by walking from the centre of Orvelte and by following the signs, that leads to the start. Since the opening of the trail a lot of children with their parents and tourists visited the trail. Besides that the trail is very popular for school trips.

Description

The Wooden path of Theodoor is a nature trail specially for little children (up to 12 years) and their parents. Theodoor is a little, adventurous pig, that is walking through the woods, meeting several points of interest and having a lot of odd experiences. Along the trail there are signs, that tell the story of Theodoor. Sometimes the trail is easy accessible, sometimes it’s rather muddy, so you have to take care. Sometimes you go up through the trees and than down along the water. You can make Theodoor grumble or make the birds to whistle. You climb into a hollow tree and can make music on wooden musical instruments. You can shelter in a cabin or in a fox-hole.

What to avoid

Forest managers should use natural landscape features, materials and methods as much as possible. The use of artificial, fabric made elements should be avoided. It is important to connect to the experiential world of children, to anticipate their imagination and fantasy. Therefore, it is extremely important to involve children in an early stage of the planning process.

Further contact.

Staatsbosbeheer (National Forest Service)

J.A. (Jan) Blok

P.O. Box 1300

3970 BH Driebergen (NL)

Tel. 0031 306926343

E-mail: j.blok (at) staatsbosbeheer.nl

Website: www.staatsbosbeheer.nl