UPM plans forest trips for 6th graders

The Finnish forest industry company UPM will organise forest trips in August and September for 6th grade primary school students in five different cities where UPM’s mills are located, said a press release.

The trips will take place, if the COVID-19 situation allows them. This is the fourth time that UPM is organising such excursions.

The aim of the initiative is to provide students with a positive forest experience and increase their knowledge on how Finnish forests are used. During the excursions named “Commercial forest — Development and Sustainable Use,” students will learn about the commercial and recreational use of forests, wildlife management, and wood-based products. In addition, every student will get the chance to plant a seedling that will become a part of a forest.

With 40 classes taking part, there will be roughly 800 students and teachers in total taking part in these excursions.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the number of classes is smaller than before. Despite the exceptional circumstances, the forest excursions will provide a safe experience for pupils: special arrangements have been made for the excursions, e.g., taking into account safety distances and hygiene.

The excursions are organised in co-operation with the Finnish Forest Association and the Finnish 4H organisation and will take place in Jämsä, Pietarsaari, Rauma, Kouvola, and Lappeenranta.

“Forest excursions are memorable experiences for pupils, and they support students in learning about and understanding the forests,” said UPM Forest Environmental Manager Tuomas Kara, adding that “As wood-based products are part of our daily life, we want to increase the respect for wood as a renewable raw material.”