1. Creating Aspen Groves in School and Nursery Grounds
A Unique Outdoor Learning Resource
Introduction
In ancient times, sacred groves were places of sanctuary and worship for the Druids. Like a temple or
chapel set within the natural world, they were places of spiritual refuge: places to calm the mind,
refresh the spirit, and give comfort in times of distress. Sacred groves are not unique to the Druid
tradition. They are recorded in the Classical world, and in the Middle East. Across Asia, in India, China,
Thailand, and Burma, for thousands of years sacred groves have existed, and continue to exist. They
act as sacrosanct areas, which are at the same time temples, places for spiritual retreat, meditation
and wildlife sanctuaries.
Outdoor Education
The value of outdoor education and in particular the connection with nature is increasingly being
recognised in Scotland. However, often schools and nurseries do not have immediate access to
woodland resources nearby. However, there is much interest to improve school and nursery grounds
as a learning resource and an opportunity for outdoor lessons.
The traditional benefits of groves described above could equally be seen in an educational context.
The grove will provide a safe and accessible area for outdoor learning and an intimate and sheltered
space where the feeling of enclosure mimics the forest environment without the need to leave the
school or nursery grounds. Nature deficit syndrome is increasingly being recognised in this country
and contact with nature should be maximised where possible. The grove provides such benefits unlike
more traditional outdoor classroom structures.
Eadha has been working to protect rare native trees, including aspen and juniper which are
threatened species, and aspen naturally forms small groves. It is a fast growing tree which can easily
be established on a range of sites. Aspen is a beautiful tree and its characteristic quivering and rustling
leaves in a breeze contributes to the beauty of an aspen grove and its ability to impart energy even in a
small grove. Aspen also provides a very light shade so even with a sense of enclosure, this is not
overbearing. An aspen grove is therefore the ideal place in which to conduct outdoor learning and
play.

2. Design
Eadha can design a bespoke grove to suit specific individual needs. However the basis layout is as
follows. Three concentric rings of trees are planted. The inner circle will comprise of 30 No. 3-4 year
old aspen trees of approximately 1m in height spaced about 0.7m apart, with a 2m gap at one end for
access. The overall shape would therefore be similar to a horseshoe. The outer rings will comprise of
smaller 1-2 year old aspen saplings protected by vole guards. The quantity of trees in the inner ring is
determined by the typical group size using the grove, to allow every child to site beneath a tree. A
further outermost ring could also be added comprising scrubby bushes such as juniper, which would
contribute to the sense of enclosure and increase shelter towards ground level, especially when the
aspen mature. Being evergreen, they will also provide colour and shelter during the winter months.
Wildflower bulbs can be planted within the central ring, for example in a spiral design as undertaken in
the photos below. Species could include edible plants such as wild strawberries which would act as an
educational resource. Rustic seats can be provided, for example in the form of cut logs. The inner ring
would have a diameter of approximately 7m and the total area of the grove would be approximately
14m x 14m, although it can be made bigger or smaller. The grove is therefore a relatively compact
structure which could be accommodated in most school/nursery grounds on any level area.
Functions
The grove can perform a wide range of functions restricted only by ones imagination. It could provide
a performance space for music or drama. I could act as an outdoor classroom for general lessons or
specific lessons using aspects of the grove itself, for example environmental education or circle
geometry. The grove will demonstrate woodland ecology and could provoke discussions around their
historical traditions or of tree conservation and folklore. It could provide a place for retreat, quiet
contemplation, or play. Eadha can provide tailored educational sessions on any of these subjects.
Contact:
Eadha Enterprises
contact@eadha.co.uk
Tel: 01505 844827
www.eadha.co.uk
Scottish Charity Number SC043952
Incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Scotland Number SC395120