Families thrive in outdoor learning sessions across Mid and East Antrim’s forests!
Thursday 30 March 2023
Families across Mid and East Antrim have been taking part in fun-filled outdoor learning sessions in local forests.
The sessions were held at three beautiful natural environments - ECOS Ballymena, Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, and Bashfordsland Wood in Carrickfergus - over the past six months.
The Wild Walk Bushcraft and the Council's Parks and Open Spaces Team organised the sessions across the Borough through the Council's Good Relations Programme "Embrace" and "TBUC Trees.
Participants engaged in bushcraft skills such as den building, fire lighting, foraging, and natural play. As part of the "TBUC Trees" campaign, each family had the chance to plant a tree, which left a lasting impact on their local environment while instilling a love for their community's woodland area.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “Motivating children and families to become involved in their local green spaces can increase local ownership of sites, reduce vandalism, and improve the overall appearance of neighbourhoods.
“Studies have shown that outdoor learning is crucial for children. The Forest Families initiative - through which children can increase their confidence, environmental awareness, physical and social skills, motivation, and concentration - is an excellent way to encourage this. The programme was a huge success, and each session was well-attended.”
According to Paul Douglas Good Relations and T:BUC Division, Forest Families is a fantastic programme for developing children's environmental awareness. He personally supported the event and was delighted to witness the enthusiasm and engagement among the families involved.
The Executive Office supported the Forest Families Programme through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Good Relations Programme.