Forest School fun at Ardan Wood summer event
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There were 75 pupils, in three separate sessions, from both Kilbeggan and Rahugh National Schools.Image 3 of 6
They foraged vibrant wildflowers, carefully leaving plenty behind for the insects.Image 4 of 6
The project continues to inspire the next generation of woodland warriors.Image 5 of 6
The event was under the guidance of local forest school leader Caroline Young.Image 6 of 6
Forest School Fun at Ardan Wood.To the delight of local school children in the Kilbeggan and Rahugh community, the Westmeath Branch of the Native Woodland Trust hosted the summer edition of their award-winning Forest School Fun at Ardan Wood.
They secured the support Westmeath County Council for this event, which meant they were able to expand to include 75 pupils, in three separate sessions, from both Kilbeggan and Rahugh National Schools.
Children crafted woodland creatures from clay, each one inspired by the natural wonders found in Ardan Wood. They foraged vibrant wildflowers, carefully leaving plenty behind for the insects, and used them to pound and press natural pigments on cloth.
They learned how to start a fire using flint and steel and whittled willow skewers to roast marshmallows over the campfire.
Finally they wandered through the woodland, discovering the transformation it has undergone since their last visit in the spring.
The project continues to inspire the next generation of woodland warriors in the leafy embrace of their hazel-coppice outdoor classroom, under the guidance of local forest school leader Caroline Young and assisted by local branch members and school teachers.
The Native Woodland Trust looks forward, with help from local volunteers, to explore emulating these events at some other reserves across the country.
There’s never been a more important time to reconnect our little ones with the natural world.