Irish Forest School Association Annual Gathering 2022

Irish Forest School Association Annual Gathering 2022

Jun 1, 2022 | Out in Nature, Sustainability, Tree Planting

 

Irish Forest School Association Annual Gathering 2022

I had the pleasure of going to the IFSA annual gathering in Cavan in the amazing Tanagh Outdoor Education and Training Centre.

 

Over 60 Forest School leaders gathered from all over Ireland to skillshare and pass on wisdom and knowledge around the campfire.

Our Chairperson Joan Whelan presented her findings from her PhD study … on her findings on the crucial role that trained Forest leaders play in making quality Forest Schools accessible to school children and the importance of introducing children to nature.

And I learned new skills about how to make your Forest School more inclusive from the experienced SEN teachers and Forest School practitioners Sarah Whelan and Sinead Walsh.

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal

May 26, 2022 | Claire Samways, Out in Nature

Packed my van with hazel sticks and headed to Donegal on an adventure with Mr Moss to build a den in a magical location in the wilds of Donegal.

Brought all my tools and feel like Edward the Scissor hand!!!

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal

And started the creative process… an ‘A’ frame up and lots of lashings.

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal

Starting to take shape …using natural materials to blend the den in.

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal

Moss loving the finished den … magical!

The Merry Month of May in Milford, Donegal
Happy Earth Day 2022!

Happy Earth Day 2022!

Apr 22, 2022 | The Honeybees Forest School

We celebrated Earth Day today at Glasswater wood with the Honeybees Forest School with a Bug themed day.

We celebrated Earth Day today at Glasswater wood with the Honeybees Forest School with a Bug themed day.

We made insect hotels, played Beetle tag, made an earth birthday cake.

Was Great fun getting our hands in the earth and then using as clay for tree art … felt like tribal art.

Outdoor learning at its best.

Mourne Land Tree Planting

Mourne Land Tree Planting

Mar 8, 2022 | Tree Planting

Mourne Land Tree  Planting

“The fairest of the earth is this my land of Mourne with all its valleys green and hills of rock wind worn…”

Tree planting in the Mourne Mountains today in a place that means so much to me.

I have walked these mountains with my dad since I was no age and glad that I can give back.

This is an amazing project by NI Water, the Woodland Trust, and NI Farm Forestry.

We planted over 11,000 native trees such as Birch, Rowan, Scots Pine, and Irish Oak over a week covering an area of approximately 14 hectares.

Want to learn more about Tree Planting?

If you would be interested in tree planting projects get in touch with me:

treeplanting@wildwoodcrafts.ie

From the Tree to the Chair ‘Stick Chair Claire’

From the Tree to the Chair ‘Stick Chair Claire’

Feb 3, 2022 | Coppice Crafts, Coppicing, Stick Chairs by Claire Samways

From the Tree I coppice hazel sticks ….

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire'

… and use a ‘bundle brake’ to bundle the hazel sticks

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire'

…then wheelbarrow the bundles to my workshop…

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire'

… and the creative chair making process begins

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire'

…using ‘Nellie’ my shave horse…

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire

… a ‘Babes in the Wood’ stick chair is made…

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire'

… and Twinkle watches on.

From the Tree to the Chair 'Stick Chair Claire

‘Stick Chair Claire’

If you are interested in purchasing a hand-crafted stick chair, click HERE