June Update

Hello everyone,

We hope you're enjoying the long summer days and finding plenty of opportunities to get outdoors with the children and communities you work with. Across the country, we're seeing Nature Based Learning continue to flourish in schools, early years settings and communities, and it's wonderful to witness the growing momentum behind this work.

We very much enjoyed our final Community of Practice session on Saturday - a lovely way to finish this term! 

Thank you for being part of this thriving network of educators, facilitators and advocates for children's connection with nature.

Warm wishes,

Sarah, Yuuki, Jenny & Liz

The Scaip Project Team

 Coill na bPáistí Training & Children's Camp

We're delighted to share details of this summer's Coill na bPáistí (Children's Forest) Training Event, taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Knockree Hostel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

This unique training is being run by the Irish Forest School Association and Children's Forest UK. It offers an opportunity to explore the Children's Forest approach to growing forests from seed and to learn how to facilitate tree planting projects with children and communities. 

 8–11 August 2026 Knockree Hostel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

2 day and 4 day ticket options available

The event includes a Children's Camp option, making it possible for families to attend. 

 Find out more & book your place here:https://www.tickettailor.com/events/irishforestschoolassociation1/2223377

 

New Resource Available: Native Trees Session Plans

We're excited to announce that our new Native Trees Session Plans are now available to download from our Resources Page.

A series of nine Nature Based Learning sessions focused on native Irish trees, this resource invites children to dive into the fascinating world of Ireland's woodland heritage—from Pine to Oak to Hawthorn and beyond—with rich seasonal connections throughout.

Written by teacher Jennifer Dungan and Forest School Leader and Artist Liz McMahon, these engaging session plans support the Irish Primary Curriculum while encouraging curiosity, creativity, observation and connection with nature.

 Suitable for 1st–6th Class (7–12 years)

The resource includes practical activities, curriculum links and nature connection opportunities that can be adapted to a variety of outdoor learning settings.

 Download the resource here:https://www.naturebasedlearning.ie/teacher-resources

 Forest School Shared at National Sustainability Event

Earlier this month, Jenny Dungan represented The Scaip Project at the Irish Schools for Sustainability Network (ISSN) event for System Leaders for Nature Education at Wild Acres, Co. Wicklow.

Jenny shared the transformative impact of Forest School as a child-centred, nature-based pedagogy with Directors of Education Support Centres from across Ireland. Drawing on her experience as a primary teacher, she highlighted how regular, meaningful engagement with nature supports children's confidence, resilience, wellbeing, creativity, sense of belonging and lifelong love of learning.

Through examples from practice, she demonstrated how outdoor learning enables children to overcome challenges, develop leadership skills, build relationships and discover strengths that may not always emerge in traditional classroom settings. She also highlighted the role of Forest School in helping children connect with local biodiversity and develop a deeper sense of place, particularly for children who are new to Ireland.

The presentation outlined the vision of The Scaip Project: to ensure that every child in Ireland has opportunities for self-directed play and learning in nature as a regular part of their education.

Jenny concluded with a call to empower educators as key agents of change in connecting children with nature, promoting biodiversity, wellbeing and sustainability. As one participating child reflected, nature-based learning helps young people appreciate "what a fantastic world we live in" — a gift that benefits both children and the natural world.

 Summer CPD Course – Places Still Available

Summer CPD courses in Outdoor Learning Using a Forest School Approach are taking place nationwide, and we're delighted to share that there are still places available on the Blackrock Education Centre course.

Outdoor Learning Using a Forest School Approach

This practical and engaging course will support educators to:

• Build confidence facilitating outdoor learning

• Explore Forest School principles and practice

• Gather practical activities and ideas to bring back to their setting

• Connect with a network of like-minded educators

 Book your place here:https://blackrockesc.ie/component/eventbooking/2313-summer-course-26lc-07-006-outdoor-learning-using-a-forest-school.html

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

 

Thank You

As we move into the heart of summer, we're continually reminded of the importance of creating opportunities for children to play, explore and learn in nature. Every outdoor session, every moment of wonder and every connection made with the natural world helps nurture happier, healthier and more resilient young people.

Thank you for all that you do to make this possible.

Wishing you a joyful summer filled with nature, connection and adventure.