Forest experience for all

Forest experience for all | Photo: Pine Watt

Twenty school classes will receive a guided learning day in the forest, including preparatory and follow-up sessions led by experienced forest educators. The project enables at least 500 students to experience nature directly, understand ecological connections, and reflect on their own actions. Special thanks go to the Homann Foundation, which supports the project with a grant of €5,000.

The SDW Hamburg sees the forest as both the origin and symbol of sustainable development. Positive experiences in nature during childhood foster a deep connection to the environment, the foundation for conscious and responsible behavior. In a metropolitan city like Hamburg, many children lack direct access to nature. “Forest Experience for All” addresses this gap by specifically opening opportunities for schools with a low social index (1–3) to explore the forest.

The program follows the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): playful, age-appropriate, and hands-on – covering topics from species knowledge and forest functions to climate and biodiversity. Research shows that children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds often have fewer opportunities to connect with nature. This project provides early, inclusive, and experiential access.