Go Wild Forest School

Remember the carefree days of making mud pies and jumping in puddles? Getting messy and swinging from trees felt like the farthest thing from school. But now, there’s a whole ethos around outdoor education called Forest School—and we have one right here in Headford!

Go Wild Forest School in Cloughanover was founded by Dianora Balsimelli Waldron, a qualified Forest School Leader, in July 2023. With a background as an Early Childhood Educator and Drama Facilitator, Dianora brings extensive experience working with children in diverse educational settings. Dianora felt a strong desire to create a community space where children could connect with nature through exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. Some of the activities children can enjoy at Go Wild include arts and crafts using the natural materials around them, bushcraft, safe campfire lighting, knot tying, storytelling, and plenty of free time for exploration.

Dianora is a strong advocate for the Forest School approach, where nature acts as both teacher and classroom. She designs activities that centre on children’s interests and well-being, cultivating a safe, supportive environment where they can form meaningful connections with the natural world and their peers. This approach not only promotes positive outdoor experiences but also encourages holistic learning and personal growth.

Forest School offers learners of all ages the chance to engage in hands-on, outdoor learning year-round, in all safe weather conditions. By building confidence and self-esteem, it deepens children’s connection to nature while instilling essential values like sustainability. This foundation fosters a lifelong commitment to caring for and enjoying the natural world as they grow into adults.

Go Wild Forest School offers several types of session:

 A weekly Nature club which takes place on a Monday or Tuesday after school hrs for children aged 5-11yrs.

 A weekly parent and toddler group for children from walking age up to 4 yrs old and their parents/guardians

 School visits:  We either welcome schools to come to us for forest school sessions or school tours, or we travel to schools and set up the outdoor classroom ,when possible, and offer sessions in school .

 Forest themed children’s birthday parties.

https://www.gowildforestschool.ie/

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