GALLERY: Forest workshops beat back-to-school blues

BACK to school blues were eased for the pupils of Flagmount National School with recent Forest School workshops in the leafy Lough Graney Valley.

The event, called ‘Wild Plants Can Sing’ was part of the Forest School pilot project, funded by the Heritage in Schools Scheme.<

Pupil of Flagmount National School Michael Mc Namara, points out hanging bird feeders made from apples, while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Pupil of Flagmount National School Katerina Varava, hanging bird feeders made from apples, while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Pupils of Flagmount National School Leah O Donnell and Orla Wynne making bird feeders from apples while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Tutor Marina Levitina discussing the nature of the forest with pupils of Flagmount National School, who were taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Pupils of Flagmount National School Orla Wynne and Saoirse O Meara making bird feeders from apples while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Matt Fitzpatrick making bird feeders from apples while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Pupil of Flagmount National School Aoibhinn O Meara making bird feeders from apples while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Tutor Marina Levtina with Ilona Semibratova, a pupil of Flagmount National School, taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Cara Cox, a pupil of Flagmount National School, taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Orla Wynne, Saoirse O Meara and Cara Cox, pupils of Flagmount National School, taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Heritage In Schools Leader Aine Ni Fhlatharta and Tutor Marina Levitina discussing the nature of the forest with pupils of Flagmount National School, who were taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Eabha Cox, a pupil of Flagmount National School, examines a mushroom while taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Tutor Marina Levitina discussing the nature of the forest with pupils of Flagmount National School, who were taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Dr Marina Levitina discussing the nature of the forest floor with pupils of Flagmount National School. Photograph by John Kelly

pupils of Flagmount National School taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Pupils of Flagmount National School taking part in a Forest School Initiative as part of Heritage In Schools. Photograph by John Kelly

Workshops were facilitated by Marina Levitina and Áine Ní Flatharta. Children got an opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature, as part of an inspirational process that offers opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences among the trees.

Principal of Flagmount NS, Louise O’Kelly said the workshops were thoroughly enjoyed and very beneficial.

“We are very fortunate to have Forest School in our parish,” she said.

“Forest School integrates wonderfully with all our subjects particularly Geography and Science. Unquestionably, Forest School brings Geography and Science to life outside the classroom, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

“This year, we also welcomed children from Ukraine to our school, nature is healing and spending time in nature has increased their wellbeing, motivation and confidence.’’ 

Forest School is child-led and promotes holistic development and helps build resilience, independence, creativity, empathy and care for the environment.

These sessions inspire children to connect with nature and with each other, through a variety of nature based activities such as nature games, plant and tree identification walks, nature crafts and much more.

The children who attend ‘Wild Plants Can Sing Forest School’ learn about local wildflowers and trees of the Lough Graney Valley in a fun and exciting way.

Marina Levitina is a certified Forest School leader and a Heritage in Schools specialist. A PhD holder, she is a founding member and chairperson of the Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary. She is also a healer, and artist.

More details on Forest School workshops are available on Wildplantscansing.ie.