Pupils grow their knowledge with Mid and East Antrim’s Forest Schools Programme

Three schools from across Mid and East Antrim are taking part in this year’s Forest Schools Programme.

The programme is aimed at promoting sustainable outdoor education programmes to inspire innovative teaching methods, encouraging curiosity and exploration whilst instilling a sense of community and civic pride within young people.

It’s funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and delivered by the Northern Ireland Forest School Association along with Council’s parks and open spaces team.

Cairncastle Primary School, Olderfleet Primary School and Eden Primary School have been selected to take part in this year’s Forest Schools initiative.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: “Each year schools from across the Borough are encouraged to apply for the awards programme with three being selected to take part.

“I hope all the schools involved thoroughly enjoy their Forest Schools experience and learn to respect and cherish their fantastic local parks and open spaces.It is great to see this positive programme continue through these challenging times and I’m sure the pupils are delighted to get out into their outdoor classroom to learn.”

Cairncastle Primary School is completing its Forest School sessions at Carnfunnock Country Park. Olderfleet Primary School have been using Curran Park, Larne with Eden Primary School carrying out the programme at Eden Allotments, Carrickfergus.

Brian Poots, NI Forest School Association, who is collaborating with Council on the initiative, said: “Research has found that outdoor learning is invaluable for children. Through Forest Schools children can increase their confidence, understanding of the environment, physical skills, social skills, motivation and concentration.

“Forest Schools can help to connect children to their outdoor environment, stimulating curiosity and inspiring a love of the natural world that is likely to remain long after the end of primary school. Ripple effects beyond Forest Schools have been noted, with children bringing their experience home and asking their parents to take them outdoors at the weekend or school holidays, thus helping to promote a positive family life and increasing physical activity.

“Motivating children and families to become involved in their local green spaces can increase local ownership of sites, reduce crime levels and vandalism, and improve the overall appearance of neighbourhoods.”