Nature Conference in Scotland
June 22 - 23, 2009
Crieff, Scotland
There is a wonderful opportunity for 60 people to come together in this stunning rural area in mountainous Scotland. The two days have been created to share European perspectives on outdoor play with a focus on Nature Kindergartens and Forest schools.
Day One
Networking event with displays and case studies from across Europe; speakers from The European Leadership team in Europe based in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The day will move outside to work with attendees in the wild spaces using nature to inspire and guide group explorations. Located at a local conference site (the Famous Grouse whisky distillery in the hills!).
Evening meal together and céilidh (we will teach you the steps!)
Day Two
Site visits to two Nature Kindergartens (care for 2 - 6 years), Nature/forest school (3 - 11 years), and the Centre for Outdoor Educational Excellence with 14 outdoor environments designed by children, Claire Warden, and her team at Mindstretchers. The outdoor sites are naturalistic play spaces that are based on children's voices and ideas. Participants will be able to explore the Talking and Thinking Floorbooks approach to educational planning pioneered by Claire: www.mindstretchers.co.uk 
The fee of £320 includes:
- the two day study event
- programme materials and information CD
- whisky tasting and tour
- dinner and céilidh on Monday evening
- coffee/lunch refreshments and required transport during the event.
The accommodation is set in the grounds of Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff in the Culcrieff cottages: www.crieffhydrohotel.co.uk
The 20 self catering chalets have 3 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and dining areas, they are set in a small village area in the woodland grounds of the hotel. All hotel amenities are available to attendees. Each chalet is set up with a food hamper, all lunches, and the evening meal on Monday are included in the cost.
The chalets are available for arrival on the nights of Sunday June, 21st, Monday, June 22nd, and Tuesday, June 23rd (£60 per night per room with two beds, each room can be booked for single or double occupancy).
Places for the study visit/accommodation are on a first-come, first-served basis and will in the first instance be offered to delegates who can provide their registration details for the World Forum in Belfast. Those who are not attending the World Forum in Belfast will be added to a waiting list for a place thereafter.
Further information and booking for the study visit/accommodation can be made via email at enquiries@mindstretchers.co.uk. There will be a pre-event meeting at the World Forum in Belfast.