A new skills programme, backed by Belfast City Council, is helping children develop their outdoor know-how.
Belfast City Council has been working with the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association (NIFSA) to develop the 12 week outdoor learning and participation course.
The programme is in line with the council’s aim to encourage children to be active and use parks and open spaces on their doorstep for fun engaging activities.
Children from Knocknagoney Primary School recently receive their awards from Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavin Robinson, after completing the programme in their local park.
Alderman Robinson congratulated the children from primary 5 and 6 in Knocknagoney PS on their hard work and achieving a John Muir Discovery Award for their care of Knocknagoney Linear Park.
“It is great to see children taking an interest in what is happening in their local park, not just what they can do there but how they can help us look after it for future generations,” said the Lord Mayor.
The Forest School Programme was led by teacher Victoria Little and NIFSA facilitator, Brian Poots, who said: “The programme helps the children develop their understanding and connection with nature using practical tasks, tools and teamwork. Pupils also worked on their thinking and problem solving skills.”
The school has plans to continue the programme next year and to extend its Eco School ethos and achieve a forest school flag next year.
There are also plans to install a community garden within the park which will provide experience for both pupils and parents to learn about growing vegetables and biodiversity.
“We are delighted to work with the community to continue supporting this type of engagement,” added the Lord Mayor.