Forest Schools in Northern Ireland
Check out: Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA
Co Down:
Peters Patch Nursery, Hillsborough
Situated in the magical Hillsborough Forest Park where the children’s imaginations are free to run wild. Children can build dens, climb trees, forage, jump, construct bridges and much more. Also offering a weekly Forest School for Home Ed children. Summer scheme open during July and August.
Where: 15 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, BT26 6AR
When: Each day of term time from 9:15am – 12.00pm
Website: https://www.peterspatchdaynursery.com/forest-school
Finnebrogue Woods School of Bushcraft, Downpatrick
At Finnebrogue Woods you can learn new skills in their Bushcraft courses, or let the kids explore the outdoors in the Wee Wild Fun sessions. Also offering Bushcraft camp for young people aged 9-15 with an overnight stay opportunity. Not forgetting Woodland Sensory for baby classes.
Lots of great classes for adults available too!
Where: 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick
When: See website
Website: https://finnebroguewoods.com/experiences-and-events
Wild Tribe Forest School, Newtownards
Wild Tribe is situated in the beautiful private forest surroundings of Rosemount Estate in the busy town of Greyabbey in the heart of the Ards Peninsula.
Wild Tribe Forest School offers weekly forest school and Bushcraft club for children aged 5-10 also Stay and Play sessions suitable for children aged 2-4 years. Also offering Wild Birthday parties in natural woodland surroundings of Greyabbey Estate.
Where: Greyabbey , Newtownards
When: Saturday morning 9-11am for children aged 5-10
Website: https://wildtribeni.co.uk/
Lackan Farm, Banbridge
Lackan Farm Forest school is a not for profit project, they offer Forest School opportunities throughout the year, reach out on their website to put name down.
Lackan Cottage Farm has become a centre for practical sustainability. They are the first accredited LAND (Learning and Network Demonstration) centre on the island of Ireland, and are pioneering Green Tourism by becoming the first Green Key business in the country, as recognition of their commitment to sustainability.
Where: 79 Lackan Rd, Ballyroney, Banbridge BT32 5HR
When: Contact directly
Website: https://lackancottage.co.uk/lackan-farm-forest-school/
Ballyburren, Ballynahinch
The forest school Ballynahinch is located in a dense beech tree woodland and has two tiers. The upper tier is covered by a large tent canopy and is all weather. The lower tier has a campfire area and a short trail down to a small pond for fishing out swimming wildlife.
There are two forest school sessions: Muddy Tots Go Wild (18 months to 7 years) or Young Adventurers (4 years to 12 years).
Where: 143 Dromore Rd, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, BT24 8HZ
When: Holidays Tues & Fri or Sat during term.
Website: https://www.ballyburren.com/activities/forest-school/
Clandeboy Nature Rangers, Bangor
Offering after school clubs for local Primary Schools, and summer Holiday clubs. Children will spend their time exploring and investigating throughout the woodlands and meadows of Clandeboye Estate. Children will be able to take part in Forest School activities, as well as letting their imagination take control and play freely.
Where: Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1RN
When: After school and summers
Website: https://www.forestschoolsni.com/shop/for/nature-rangers
Elements Forest & Garden School
Elements offer Forest School classes, after school clubs and birthday parties. Each session reflects the changing seasons and is full of exciting and fascinating activities. Working out of the Steiner-Waldorf and Montessori background, Elements combines love for nature, imaginative play, artistic activities and skills to deliver a set of outdoor based activities tailored to fit the age group as well as the environment it finds itself in.
Where: Bangor area
When: After School and Summer
Website: https://elementsschool.net/forest-school
Co Derry/L’Derry:
Jungle NI, Moneymore
During the session participants will be getting hands on experiences in a safe environment e.g. using tools, building dens, lighting fires, craft activities (making natural paints), tree climbing and much more. Parents must be present.
Also offering Forest School sessions for groups, schools and Birthday parties.
Where: 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7RB
When: Selected dates
Website: https://www.thejungleni.com/event/forest-school-public/
Co Armagh:
Get Active ABC, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon
(ABC) Borough Council was the first council in Northern Ireland to have a Play Strategy in place (2018-2026). Through the Play Strategy and Peace IV Funding, ABC’s Forest School Programme was born. They deliver Forest Schools (6 week 3 hour sessions) in Parks and Open Spaces and offer the places to all children.
Where: Oxford Island, Gosford Forest Park, Lurgan Park, Edenvilla Park
When: Over 6 week blocks (see website)
Website: https://getactiveabc.com/activities/forest-school-programme/
Co Fermanagh:
Bush Craft at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea
This activity is recommended for children aged 7+ years. Learn shelter building and how to cook outside in a purpose built bush craft workshop. It is a great way to get back to nature and test your camp craft skills.
Where: 221 Lisnaskea Road, Lisnaskea,Co. Fermanagh, BT92 0JZ
When: Throughout summer
Website: https://www.sharevillage.org/activity/bush-craft
Oakwood Bushcraft Forest School
Summer camps, youth group activities, and birthday celebrations are offered at Oakwood Bushcraft and Forest School. Oakwood Forest School is based in their very own Oak Woodland on the outskirts of Enniskillen. Activities include shelter building, fire lighting, identifying different plants and trees, using tools safely.
Where: 98 Glenwood Gardens, ENNISKILLEN, BT74 7LU
When: Throughout the year
Website: https://oakwood-bushcraft.weeblysite.com/#fLEobZ
County Tyrone:
Mid Ulster District Council
Family Forest School Drop-In Events 2024
Working in partnership with Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA), the council are inviting schools and youth groups into local parks to take part in our Forest Schools Program. Forest Schools, school children/youth groups are able to undertake innovative activities to help them understand the importance of the natural environment and local heritage.
Drop-in sessions are free of charge and no booking is required. All sessions run from 1pm to 4pm and are suitable for nursery and primary school ages.
Where: Dungannon Park, Knockmany Forest, Pomeroy Forest, Ballyronan Wood
When: Summer