Young people from across the Down area embraced the outdoors this summer as they explored nature, developed new skills and built lasting friendships at the South Eastern Trust’s annual Forest School.
Now in its fourth year, the Down Multi-Disciplinary Social Work Team welcomed young people aged 10 to 16 to the Victorian Gardens at Downshire Estate in Downpatrick for two days of outdoor learning, creativity and fun. Through painting, crafting, nature-based activities and games, participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills while connecting with each other in a safe and supportive environment.
The programme encourages young people to spend time outdoors, develop confidence, work together and discover the many wellbeing benefits that nature can offer.
Thirteen-year-old Katie Fegan, who attended the Forest School with her sister Olivia, said, “There were so many fun activities and it has been amazing to be here. I really enjoyed making the fairy houses using the recycled materials. We also played ‘Find the Flag’ and it was a chance to map out the grounds and I really learned a lot. I would definitely come back again next year.”
Ten-year-old John O’Hare added, “We have done lots of different activities and I really enjoyed making and building the fairy houses. I would definitely recommend the Forest School to my friends.”
South Eastern Trust, Downshire Garden Manager, Clare McCawley commented, “We are now in our fourth year of the Forest School and it is very successful. The children get an awful lot out of it. We are all about recycling here and the children have been using what we have collected throughout the year to construct their own bird boxes. This is all about bringing the local community into the gardens, coming and having fun, that is what it is all about.”
South Eastern Trust, Senior Social Work Practitioner, Aine Brannigan stated, “The Forest School really is a fantastic way to get our young people out into nature, the outdoors and make new connections, new friends in the beautiful gardens we have here in the Downshire Estate.
“The children have played games, explored the gardens and they have had a chance to paint what the Forest School means to them. It is an amazing, holistic experience for the children and you can see the friendships starting to build. Getting the children out, away from the screen, is always a positive.”