Northern Ireland Forest School Association

25/05/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2428l8j7geo

With a link to find the coverage in different areas in UK
https://uk.treeequityscore.org/map

A lack of tree cover in urban areas could be affecting people's health, conservation charity warns.

20/05/2026

Our LAFS 2026 are fast approaching. Here 2 of our Nature Ranger staff at Abbey Primary discuss 'Downtime and Fun with the children'. They will be discussing more at LAFS including the best bits and the challenges at this years LAFS.

Mon 24 Aug Kings Park PS, Newtownabbey
Tue 25 Aug Clandeboye Nature Rangers
Wed 26 Aug Scarva PS
Thur 27 Aug St Patrick’s PS, Eskra
Fri 25 Sep Ballykelly PS

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/lafs-4825714

https://photos.app.goo.gl/afhCEoqzLQ2PS9xTA

19/05/2026

We were back at St Caireall's Primary School for sessions 3 & 4 of Forest School practical training. 🌿🔥

Despite heavy showers, pupils showed fantastic determination whittling fresh Elder wood and working in teams to light their 5-minute fires using kindling gathered from around the field boundaries.
Learning opportunities observed included building resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills by working together in challenging weather conditions.
The groups also developed their understanding of how to identify and responsibly use natural materials from the local environment.

Well done everyone! 👏 Funded by RAPID PEACEPLUS.

17/05/2026

Would you love to bring more outdoor learning into your school? 🌿🍂

NIFSA Forest School Leader (Level 3) training gives teachers the skills and confidence to create engaging outdoor experiences that build children’s confidence, resilience, creativity, and wellbeing. From nature-based learning to practical outdoor skills, it’s a rewarding journey for both staff and pupils.

A fantastic opportunity to inspire learning beyond the classroom! 🍃
Contact [email protected] for more information.

16/05/2026

Fantastic to spend time at Holy Family Primary School carrying out Forest School leader observations with teachers as part of their training journey 🌿🍂

Across the sessions, pupils explored symmetry in nature, created natural pattern art using woodland materials, and investigated constellations through outdoor learning activities. It was wonderful to see teachers growing in confidence as they led creative, experiences in the outdoor environment.

These activities supported important learning outcomes including developing observation and critical thinking skills, encouraging creativity and problem-solving, and helping children make meaningful connections between the natural world, maths, and science. ⭐🍃

A big well done to all staff involved for their enthusiasm, preparation, and commitment to developing outdoor learning opportunities for their pupils. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

15/05/2026

Look at our Sessions 3 & 4 of the Forest School experience with Ardstraw Jubilee Primary School, funded through PEACEPLUS and supported by RAPID 🌿🔥

The school has been busy creating fantastic new outdoor learning spaces, providing the perfect setting for today’s activities. The P6/7 pupils developed their whittling skills, while the P1/2 children enjoyed learning fire lighting techniques and outdoor cooking skills.

A huge thank you to the teachers whose enthusiasm and encouragement made such a positive impact today. It was wonderful to see staff giving quality time to the children as they explored new skills, built confidence, and embraced outdoor learning together. 🍃🪵

Ardstraw Jubilee PS

14/05/2026

At the start of May P4 & P6 pupils at St Caireall's PS, Aghyaran enjoyed their forest school sessions by exploring local history, building hill forts, and learning how castles shaped the landscape.

In session 2, the groups connected human migration with bird migration, explored habitats, identified birdsong, and enjoyed quiet time listening to nature. 🏰🐦🌿

These learning opportunities encouraged the pupils to understand why forts and castles were built and how they were used for defence and trade and explore how people lived and moved in the past through hands-on activities.

The sessions also enabled opportunities to practice identifying local bird species through birdsong and habitat exploration and understand links between migration, movement, and the natural environment.

Funded by RAPID and PEACEPLUS.

11/05/2026

Exciting news! NIFSA and twinkl have started working in partnership together. twinkl will be developing resources specifically for NIFSA Premium Members. The first set of resources looks at "Getting Started" and the "NIFSA Kit Bag". The next set of resources includes risk assessments, Powerpoint and Lesson Plans for Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2 Fires, Tools, Dens and Cooking on a Fire. If you are a NIFSA Premium Member click here to go to the resources - https://www.forestschoolsni.com/resources/funding
and if you are a twinkl member click here - https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/northern-ireland-resources/partnerships-northern-ireland/nifsa-northern-ireland-forest-schools-association-partnerships-northern-ireland

NIFSA and twinkl will be showcasing all the resources at their Local Area Forest School (LAFS) events this autumn. Part of the morning will be looking at the paperwork and the afternoon will be spent demonstrating the activities for real. The LAFS are also an opportunity to help us identify what resources you would like to support your outdoor learning journey. Spaces are at a premium so please book now to avoid disappointment - https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/lafs-4825714