The FOOD FOREST project has entered a new phase in Navarre with the launch of educational visits to the Artajona Food Forest. This initiative involves various educational centres and aims to promote hands-on learning around permaculture and food forests.
Cascading learning from the local environment
The process began with the participation of 13 Year 6 pupils and two teachers from the David Beriáin Public School in Artajona, who have become the lead group in a cascading educational model. This approach will allow the knowledge gained to be passed on to the wider school community.
Between March and April, the pupils combined theoretical and practical learning during their visits to the forest. Throughout these sessions, they carried out experiments related to soil erosion and the water cycle, as well as gaining first-hand knowledge of pioneer plants, the nursery, and the site’s water management system. One of the most significant moments was observing bees pollinating flowers, an indicator of the forest’s ecological progress and the gradual emergence of life in the environment.
More educational centres join the experience
On 24 April, the Artajona Food Forest also welcomed a joint visit from pupils and teachers from other schools in Navarre. In total, 11 pupils and one teacher from CIP Tafalla took part, along with 26 pupils and four teachers from EGA San Adrián High School.
After previously working in the classroom through specific training sessions and model-building workshops, where pupils explored the design, scale, and architecture of the site, the groups were able to see the project in action on site.
During the visit, they received explanations from permaculture and food forest expert Rakesh Rootsman Rak, who guided the pupils in understanding how the ecosystem functions. They also took part in practical activities, such as collecting soil samples for later analysis.
A living space for learning and sustainability
The Artajona Food Forest is thus establishing itself as an outdoor classroom where natural processes can be experienced, observed, and understood. Through the FOOD FOREST project, a transformative educational approach is being promoted, one that connects pupils with their environment and fosters values linked to environmental stewardship and ecological resilience.
