Forest Schools is an outdoor learning activity that aims to encourage school pupils to develop a love of and appreciation for the natural world. It gives pupils an opportunity to visit and to feel a sense of ownership for their local council park.

Mid Ulster District Council is working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association at Hill of The O’Neill Heritage Park. With the assistance of a NIFSA facilitator schoolchildren are able to undertake innovative activities to help them understand the importance of the natural environment. Teachers and school staff involved are able to undertake a Forest School Leader OCN Level 3 qualification, and they receive tuition from NIFSA personnel.

Pupils will:

• Take part in a series of environmental exercises at Hill of The O’Neill Heritage Park, led by NIFSA personnel, during two 2 hour visits.
• Discover aspects of the history of Hill of The O’Neill
• Be enabled to develop greater environmental awareness
• Be encouraged to become active and responsible citizens.

For further information on becoming a Forest School, visit Guide to becoming an official NIFSA Forest School

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