Forest education with I+ Marteloscopes

The document explains that forests are not only sources of wood and biodiversity but also didactic spaces where learners of all ages can deepen their understanding of forest structure, function, and management. It introduces marteloscopes — one-hectare forest sites with every tree inventoried for species, diameter, position, wood quality, and microhabitats — and explains how the I+ software suite can be used to simulate management decisions, visualize outcomes, and support discussion in the field.

The handbook begins with background on forests and education, advocating forest-based learning across age groups, from primary schools to university students, forestry professionals, researchers, recreationists, and policymakers. It then clearly defines marteloscopes and their origin, describes tree microhabitats, and explains why forests are managed (light, regeneration, trade-offs between wood, biodiversity and other functions).

A major portion of the report focuses on organizing marteloscope trainings: target groups, didactic goals, suggested activities, and practical steps to run sessions. The I+ Trainer software is outlined, showing how virtual thinning and decision outcomes (wood volume and biodiversity value) can be displayed on mobile devices directly in the forest. The handbook also includes training handouts for various audiences, from children to professional foresters, demonstrating how marteloscopes can teach basic forest knowledge, silvicultural decision making, and complex trade-offs.

In essence, the report is both a teaching toolkit and methodological guide for using marteloscopes and digital tools to make forest education interactive, practice-oriented, and accessible across knowledge levels.