North District Education Programme

Forest Service guides have a practical knowledge of the forests in the North District and can provide a range of activities and learning experiences in the forest.

Sight - scavenger hunt, forest investigation, camouflage game, colour palettes

Smell - scratch and sniff, autumn/spring smells

Sounds - listening in the forest, bird song

These activities are especially good for early years and foundation classes, but they also work well for a fun forest visit for all ages. Some of these activities are included in most guided walks to help stimulate interest and encourage a sense of fun. Enjoyment is a good first step towards interested investigation and discovery.

Tree Studies - from simple tree identification and structure games to collecting data and investigating the importance of trees in conservation, recreation and industry.

Forest Animals - bug hunts, pond-dipping, tracks and trails, life cycles and life styles, food chains.

Seasonal Activities - spring, nest boxes, woodland flowers, autumn, seed dispersal, hibernation, migration

A forest visit can bring to life specific parts of the curriculum dealing with the world around us. We can also incorporate English, Maths and Art. Stories help children to absorb information. We also use games to improve skills. We aim to work closely with teachers and can include activities and information relevant to what is being taught in the classroom. We can also include topics from the following sections in guided tours, and adapt them for any age or ability.

Overview: Programme designed to encourage students to work in
small groups to solve problems, question environmental management and design a sustainable forest for the 21st century.

Curriculum Areas: Geography (Themes C Ecosystems and Theme E Economic Activity and Development) Biology, Mathematics, Economics, Numeracy. Literacy and Generic skills: personal, interpersonal, thinking and learning skills.

Key Terms: primary industry, ecosystem, nature conservation,
local and global issues, sustainability, citizenship, economic awareness, environmental responsibility

Forest guides can provide teachers with a Hazard Statement specific to each forest to be used for your Risk Assessment.

If you are planning a visit to a forest without a guide, we would still ask you to contact Forest Service. This enables us to help you meet your requirements of a Risk Assessment by using our Hazard Statements.

Glenariff Forest Park
Offers spectacular views along the glen and the waterfall trail. Many of the paths are steep, often giving a sense of adventure and achievement. To explore this forest at its best, book a visit in autumn, winter or early spring. This avoids the midges which can be an unpleasant nuisance during fieldwork activities. Exhibition centre, lecture room and toilets on site. All facilities are accessible by wheelchairs. The Glenariff Tea House will take group bookings for lunch.

Portglenone Forest
This forest is an excellent ‘outdoor classroom’ with a wide variety of forest habitats within easy distance from the car park. Pond-dipping is also available at this forest. Toilet facilities on site are accessible by wheelchairs.

Somerset Wood
Located near Coleraine, this forest has a good variety of trees and woodland plants, and a selection of pathways. The ‘Millennium Mile’ is a short, level, smooth-surfaced path suitable for less agile people. Two planters along the route have a range of plants to engage the senses of touch and smell.

Derrynoyd Forest
With stands of oak, spruce and plenty of other tree species along the ‘Boundary Walk’. The Rural College is set within the forest and the restaurant there will take group bookings for lunch.

Downhill Forest
Downhill Forest has a great variety of unusual trees, and two spectacular old Sitka Spruce trees, the fattest in Ireland. It also offers a range of woodland habitats. Pond-dipping is possible.

Ballypatrick Forest
A large coniferous forest with spectacular views, historic monuments, and a newly created wildlife area. We can explore woodland and heathland habitats, and offer pond-dipping.

...and any Forest Service forest near you.
If there is a suitable forest near your school, our guides will travel to assist with guided walks and projects.