Country: Germany

Places visited: Munich, the Nuremberg region and the Memmingen region

Key themes: Forest kindergarten, curriculum, environmental component, financial management

This training journey was created at the request of nursery teachers who wished to integrate nature education into their curriculum in a structured way. Germany was chosen because of its long-standing tradition in environmental education, beginning at preschool level.

Throughout the week we explored both theoretical and practical aspects. In Munich we visited the Bavarian Region’s environmental education centre, followed by a forest kindergarten. Continuing towards Nuremberg, an experience in a sensory park offered valuable reflections on the importance of experiential learning. In the same area we also attended a presentation by a company with a strong environmental ethos, examining the relationship between sustainability and economics.

The programme then moved to the area near Memmingen, where we visited a provincial forest education centre dedicated to guiding adults and children in discovering the forest. We also listened to a talk on how a company such as Weleda manages its relationships with the Asian continent. The week concluded with a working day alongside an environmental coach, during which topics such as early childhood learning, the relationship between parents and teachers and the development of a nature-based kindergarten curriculum were addressed.

The journey enabled us to reflect deeply on the relationship between human beings and nature and on how to pass these values on to future generations.