Northern Ireland Forest School Association

Northern Ireland Forest School Association We develop and deliver sustainable outdoor environmental programmes across Northern Ireland. Let's take learning outdoors.

Forest Schools provide an exciting and inspirational experience for children. The development of Forest School began in Britain in the 1990s. It is based on a Scandinavian idea that considers children’s contact with nature to be extremely important from an early age. A study trip from Somerset to Denmark in 1995 decided that the approach was appropriate for use in Britain. Since then Forest School

has spread to many areas as educationalists have witnessed the impact that it can have on children. Characteristics

Safety
◾The setting is rigorously checked before every session.
◾Clear boundaries are established for the children to stay within. Learning can be linked to the National Curriculum
◾By incorporating innovative approaches to learning (such as undertaking small and easily achievable tasks) children are encouraged to develop their curiosity and motivation to learn. This is particularly important for those who find it difficult to assimilate knowledge in a strictly classroom situation. Multisensory
◾The freedom to explore using multiple senses is fundamental for encouraging creative, diverse and imaginative play.
◾The focus is on the “whole child” (not just their academic ability). Regular contact
◾Regular contact for the children over a period of time (e.g. all year round, in all weathers).
◾Regular can mean anything from fortnightly during a school term to one morning, afternoon or day every week for twelve months or more. Adult supervision
◾A high adult to pupil ratio that allows for children to undertake tasks and play activities that challenge them but do not put them at undue risk of harm.
◾It also allows practitioners quickly to get to know the individual learning styles, abilities and characteristics of the children in their charge. Training
◾NIFSA has developed its own Forest School qualifications specially adapted for Northern Ireland.

04/09/2026

Just like that - it's back to Forest School! 🎉

2026 was a hugely successful year for NIFSA, and there was only one way to kick off the new term, a Team Day in our natural habitat. The woods. 🌿

We came together to reflect on everything we've achieved, plan the year ahead and remind ourselves exactly why we do what we do. Then we put down the notebooks, stepped outside and got stuck in.

A huge well done to Lorraine for getting the first nest spark lit - a title she will not be letting go of anytime soon! 🏆

We saw teamwork. We saw encouragement. We saw a very healthy dose of competitiveness. And we loved every single minute of it.

Here's to 2026/27 - more schools, more children, more magic in the woods. Let's go.

Clandeboye Nature Rangers and Forest Pre-School NIFSA Forest School Family

03/09/2026

🌲 Behind every adventure, and every child who falls in love with the outdoors - there's this team. 💚

We're so excited to finally introduce the faces behind Northern Ireland Forest School Association. Coming very soon.

This week marks the official opening of the brand new forest school at Clandeboye Nature Rangers and Forest Pre-School 🌳...
02/09/2026

This week marks the official opening of the brand new forest school at Clandeboye Nature Rangers and Forest Pre-School 🌳

Let the adventures begin 🌿🎨💚

Forest School is coming to more schools across Northern Ireland... 🌳NIFSA has just completed a series of Level 1 Introdu...
01/09/2026

Forest School is coming to more schools across Northern Ireland... 🌳

NIFSA has just completed a series of Level 1 Introduction to Forest School training days with multiple schools right across NI.

Some of these schools accessed training through PEACEPLUS rapid funding, making outdoor education more accessible than ever for communities across Northern Ireland.

For every teacher and practitioner who attended, welcome to the NIFSA family.

Interested in Level 1 training for your school? No experience necessary, just curiosity and a love of the outdoors. The woods are waiting

✅ Half day: 9am to 1pm
✅ Certification on the day for all participants
✅ OCN NI accredited option available
✅ £350 for your whole staff group
✅ PEACEPLUS funding may be available

To find out more, please get in touch: [email protected]

Visit: www.forestschoolsni.com/course/level-1

As we begin a new term, it's the perfect moment to reflect on what makes Forest School so special. 🌳 Forest School is mo...
31/08/2026

As we begin a new term, it's the perfect moment to reflect on what makes Forest School so special. 🌳

Forest School is more than simply spending time outdoors.

The magic is not in one activity or one day. It grows through repeated experiences, changing seasons and a growing sense of belonging outdoors.

That is what NIFSA has been bringing to children across Northern Ireland since 2008, across 500+ schools, with 1,000+ trained leaders and 10,000+ children outside every single month.

This is Forest School. 🌿

📋 Sign our curriculum petition: change.org/NIFSACurriculumReview

Discover our memberships and training options here: www.forestschoolsni.com

Just like that, we conclude our LAFS (Local Area Forest School) events for the week at St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primar...
28/08/2026

Just like that, we conclude our LAFS (Local Area Forest School) events for the week at St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primary School & Nursery Unit, Eskra 🪵 🌳

Incredible speakers, hands-on outdoor sessions, brand new NIFSA x Twinkl Northern Ireland resources and another brilliant group of Forest School leaders celebrating together. 🌿

This is the NIFSA community at its very best.

🚨 One LAFS event to go, and spaces are still available!

📍 Ballykelly Primary School
📅 Friday 25 September

Free for Premium Members. Don’t miss the last one! 👇

🎟️ eventbrite.com/cc/lafs-4825714
📩 [email protected]

28/08/2026
✅ Day 3 LAFS (Local Area Forest School) was spent at Scarva Primary School ⛺️ A great day spent in the outdoors with lea...
27/08/2026

✅ Day 3 LAFS (Local Area Forest School) was spent at Scarva Primary School ⛺️

A great day spent in the outdoors with learners and educators, as we crafted and built, and plenty of fun along the way.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Next up, St Patrick’s Eskra!

27/08/2026
27/08/2026

Congratulations to Clandeboye Nature Rangers, pre-school is officially open! Here’s to the many happy adventures ahead 🌳

Address

Clandeboye Estate
Bangor
BT191RN

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