Castlewellan Forest Park Education Programme

This is a joint programme with Tollymore Forest Park. Each forest education programme is directed to key stage 1 and 2. Our programmes may be extended to facilitate key stage 3 and 4 with prior notice. Any topic within the package can be emphasised or mixed with other packages through consultation between guides and teachers.

1. Wildlife in the Forest
Woodland mammals/birds, their life cycles and habitats, with associated food chains, environments and conservation programmes. (Delivered indoors using stuffed animals, samples of diet, bat and bird boxes.)
Subjects: Science, Geography, English, Art and Design, and Religion.

2. Tree Studies
Identification of trees, distinctions between conifer/broadleaf species, life cycles/ seasons, regeneration/seed dispersal, tree physiology, timber qualities and the concept of sustainable renewable resources. (Delivered indoors using leaves, identification charts, seeds, wood, roots and bark, and timber samples.)
Subjects: Science, Geography, Technology and Design, Maths, English, Art and Design, and Religion.

3. The Forest Floor
Woodland ecology, insects, plants, and fungi, also linked to nutrient recycling. Differences between conifer and broadleaf woodland floor, levels of light, etc. Pollution and conservation issues. (Delivered indoors using "beasty box", rotten wood and leaves, plants and flowers, mosses and ferns, litter.)
Subjects: Science, Geography, English, Art and Design, Religion, Technology and Design.

4. Conservation
Native animals, trees and plants, eco-systems, pollution, litter and vandalism. Bio-diversity Action Plans, Habitat Action Plans, Species Action Plans (red squirrels). (Delivered indoors using stuffed animals, leaves and seeds, bark, litter and pollution experiments.)
Subjects: Science, Geography, English, Art and Design, Religion, and Physical Education.

5. Seasons in the Forest
Seasonal change and the associated effects on individual trees and the wider woodland community. Focus on each season as it occurs. (Delivered indoors using leaves/buds/seeds/twigs/bark and identification sheets, stuffed animals/birds, "beasty box")
Subjects: Science, Geography, English, Art and Design, and Religion.

6. The Working Forest
Production forestry: historical aspect, modern techniques, use of timber. Idea of sustainable development and renewable resources. Multi-use forests used for various activities within recreation and amenity, balanced against landscape design factors and environmental concerns.
(Delivered indoors using workbooks, photographs, etc.)
Subjects: Science, History, Maths, English, Geography, Art and Design, and Religion.

Packages 1-6 can be delivered either in the school classroom, an indoor lecture room at Tollymore forest or can be incorporated into a guided tour at your local forest, Castlewellan, or Tollymore by prior arrangement. It is recommended that any classroom work is followed up by a visit to a forest. (Length of programme by arrangement)

7. Long Ago in Tollymore Forest Park
History of the families and the architecture of the estate. The introduction of the first Forest Park.

8. The Secret Trail (Tollymore)
A trail consisting of ten specific stops of particular environmental or habitat interest.

9. The History of Castlewellan Forest Park
History of the old estate and the Annesly family who lived there.

10. The 'World Around Us'
This programme links history with geography and science in studying the natural environment, and encourages pupils to think about their own locality.

11. Peace Maze (Castlewellan)
Various programmes directed to key stage I & II Maths, Geography, Personal Development/Citizenship.

12. Guided tours of Castlewellan National Arboretum
General tour. (Specialist topics by arrangement)

1. Red Squirrel Conservation - Habitat, life cycle, diet, possible extinction, conservation programme.

2. Hedgehogs - Hedgehog year, habitat, diet, hibernation, garden hazards. (Live hedgehog when available.) Creating hedgehog friendly school grounds.

3. Fallow Deer - Woodland habitat study. (Tollymore Forest Park)