January 11, 2025 – The school activity book, “My notebook on the common land”, has been designed specifically for third-year primary school students. It aims to raise awareness among new generations about the importance of sustainable management in Galician common land and foster knowledge of the Common Land Communities (CMVMC).

The book seeks to promote sound environmental education and improve students’ understanding of community-based land management, highlighting the value of common land comunities as collective heritage and a sustainable natural resource.

The workbook’s approach combines theory and practice through games, group dynamics, and hands-on activities. It also includes tasks to be completed during visits to the common land, evaluations of the day’s journey and the creation of a field journal, all facilitating a comprehensive and meaningful learning experience.

It begins with a detailed introduction to the characteristics of common land, explaining that these lands belong to the local community and not to individuals. It also discusses how decisions regarding their use and management are made democratically in the assemblies of the Common Land Communities (CMVMC), thus promoting the active participation of local residents in the conservation of their natural environment.

Throughout the workbook, the history of  common land comunities is explored from prehistory to the present day. Key moments such as the Roman era, feudalism, the Franco dictatorship, and the process of community recovery are highlighted. This historical perspective allows us to understand the constant struggle of local communities to conserve these spaces as valuable collective heritage.

The workbook’s didactic approach is reinforced with practical and creative activities. It includes proposals such as the creation of a collective mural about the common land, exercises to identify and correct misconceptions about CMVMCs, and theater activities that allow students to playfully and educationally represent the history of these territories. These activities not only educate, but also encourage teamwork and artistic expression.

Regarding environmental education, the workbook encourages respect for local biodiversity by disseminating information about native trees, such as oak, chestnut, holly, and hazel. It also warns about the negative impact of invasive species, such as eucalyptus and acacia. Practical activities, such as planting native hardwood trees, allow students to directly participate in the ecological restoration of the environment.

In addition, the workbook includes mathematics and measurement content, introducing concepts related to surface units (square meters, hectares) and the use of traditional measurements such as the “ferrado”. The proposed activities help students calculate areas and understand the current extent of common land in Galicia, linking mathematical learning with practical knowledge of the territory.