Prostmyran – A future learning site in the Biosphere Reserve Nedre Dalälven

Image: Engagement during an outdoor activity in Hedemora Municipality. Photo: Biosphere Reserve Nedre Dalälven

The Biosphere Reserve Nedre Dalälven has made great progress in the development of its learning site in Hedemora, Sweden.

How do we create an accessible and inspiring outdoor classroom?

In the heart of Hedemora, a drained wetland is being restored to become a place where students can explore and learn about nature-based solutions. The site, Prostmyran, is located close to five schools – from preschool to upper secondary – making it an ideal spot for outdoor education.

“The schools have been very positive from the start,” says Magnus Pamp, communicator at the Nedre Dalälven Biosphere Reserve.
“To understand what’s needed for the site to function as a learning environment, we invited about twenty teachers to a workshop.”

Teachers’ ideas and needs

During the workshop, the teachers shared many thoughtful suggestions:

• Small things to discover – nature should be exciting and full of curiosities.
• An outdoor classroom – with a roof and seating for group activities and teaching.
• Access to water – a safe place where students can explore wetland life with nets.
• Learning materials on site – such as nets, nature science kits, and prepared lesson plans.
• Informational signs – about wetland benefits, animals, and plant life.
• Accessibility – so that all students can take part, regardless of ability.

“So much of what we read about in the classroom can be connected to this site,” one teacher pointed out. “It just takes a little creative thinking.”

Image: Planning underway for the learning site. Photo: Biosphere Reserve Nedre Dalälven

Students are already involved

Even though the restoration hasn’t started yet, the enthusiasm is strong. This spring, high school students will help collect water samples and record species in the area. In addition, two landscape architecture students from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences are working on a design proposal for the learning site – we look forward to seeing their ideas!

A learning site with many benefits

The Prostmyran learning site offers children and young people in Hedemora a unique opportunity to learn about the environment and sustainable development – right outside their classroom. At the same time, the restored wetland will contribute to water purification, flood prevention, and increased biodiversity.

With strong engagement from local schools and thoughtful design, we’re creating an inspiring learning environment for tomorrow’s environmental heroes!

Image: A learning site with many benefits is taking form in Hedemora. Photo: Biosphere Reserve Nedre Dalälven

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