The Forest Adventure
The forest adventure
An educational adventure in the forest where clever challenges are combined with digital technology. It sure sounds exciting! That's Forest Adventure.
About the project
Imagine if there was a forest that invited play, competition, brain training and learning. There is, thanks to the Hushållningssällskapet in Sjuhärad's project Skogsäventyret. In the forest outside Rådde gård in Länghem, they have created an adventure course that encourages children and adults to explore nature together. The course, designed for children between 7 and 12 years old in the company of adults, combines learning about the forest and its history with physical activity, digital technology and exciting challenges.
A track with 14 stations
The forest adventure consists of a course with 14 stations, where participants must find hidden codes and solve various tasks. At the start, visitors are introduced to Rådde Räv and access an easy-to-use web app via a QR code. The app, which does not require any download, contains questions and challenges that deepen the experience and ends with a quiz to test what participants have learned during the adventure.
The course stretches through a hilly forest environment and passes through an area of active forestry. Along the way, they solve riddles, complete practical challenges and reflect on the importance of forests and the impact of humans on them. One station encourages participants to fill a leaking pipe with water to illustrate how much water is used in our everyday lives, while another station reminds them of the work behind the historic stone walls of the area.
”"We want to teach people of all ages about forests, forestry and cultural history. In this way, we can create awareness of how our lifestyle affects the forest."”
Results and positive response
The forest adventure was inaugurated on May 3, 2024 and immediately attracted great interest, with around 60 visitors participating on the opening day. Since then, more than 100 people have used the web app to explore the course, and the adventure has become a popular activity for school classes, families and associations looking for a meaningful outdoor activity that combines learning and movement. The course has received positive feedback and is already established as an attraction in the area.
Sustainability and future opportunities
Sustainability has been a central part of the project. The physical infrastructure of the forest adventure, such as the oak signs, is built to last, and the web app allows for flexible updates without the need for new printed materials. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, Sparbanken Tranemo has allocated resources for ongoing maintenance and updates of the app. There are also plans to use the adventure course as a base for theme days and guided nature walks, and to inspire others to develop similar activities in other locations.
With Skogsäventyret, the Swedish Society for Forestry has succeeded in creating a place where play, learning and nature interact. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Skogsäventyret will continue to attract visitors and spread knowledge about forests and forestry for many years to come.
The board's decision justification
After the application was received and presented to the board, as well as an interview with the applicant, the scoring in the selection criteria has shown that the project is well aligned with the strategy. The board assesses that the project fits well within the strategy and will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in an innovative way that is accessible to many.
Several organizations collaborate and the site's conditions are utilized and developed. The project also contributes with health-promoting efforts and can thus lead to improved health and well-being.
Project period
2022-2024
Project owner
The Sjuhärad Household Society
Project Manager
Cecilia Hermansson
cecilia.hermansson@hushallningssallskapet.se
The project in the media
Borås Newspaper 2024-04-29: Games and brain exercises will get more people out in the forest
Borås Newspaper 2022-02-15: The initiative: Upgrading trails with modern technology
About the financing
Leader support: 292,473 SEK
Co-financing from: The Sjuhärad Household Association: 18,026 SEK The Tranemo Savings Bank Foundation: 150,000 SEK Navet Science Center: 13,000 SEK
Total funding: 473,499 SEK
In addition to the above, the project has contributed with non-profit commitment equivalent to a value of SEK 72,320.
The Leader support consists of funding from the EU, the state and the municipalities of Sjuhärad.