This past April, the Pathways To Nature programme successfully wrapped up a magical two-week residency in the stunning surroundings of Knocksink Wood. Families, schools, and community groups stepped into the wild, turning the forest floor into a vibrant, pop-up woodland classroom. Designed to make the outdoors feel welcoming and accessible to everyone—especially those who don’t often get the chance to explore our forests—the project invited participants of all ages to learn, play, and discover together in the heart of this national nature reserve.
The launch kicked off with a sense of wonder as participants joined expert guides and friendly facilitators at the Knocksink Outdoor Educational Centre to uncover “hidden woodland wonders”. Visitors became woodland detectives, learning to identify the different tree and animal species that call the valley of the Glencullen River home. Armed with colourful, easy-to-use learning materials, the sessions made it simple for teachers, parents, and group leaders to join in the adventure.
Laughter and curiosity were the themes of the month, particularly during the Go Forage card games. Through these specially created games and guided woodland adventures, families built a deeper love for Ireland’s native woods and discovered simple ways to help care for them close to home. Despite the inevitable muddy boots from the foraging trails, the “wow” moments were plentiful, proving that nature is the ultimate teacher when approached with curiosity and a sense of fun.
This successful initiative was made possible through the proud support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Forestry Promotion Project 2025/2026. Their commitment to forest appreciation and community wellbeing allowed us to create truly inclusive, meaningful experiences in our natural spaces. We extend a huge thank you to the Knocksink Education Centre and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for their guidance and for helping us show just how much our native woodlands have to offer.
