The North East Forestry Group (NEFG), a forest owners network based in the North East, has launched a new school tour programme for secondary students to connect students with real-life forest environments, offering practical lessons that directly support their classroom learning with bespoke tours. Teachers can book their classes into a local forest tour by logging on to northeastforestrygroup.ie.
The initiative aims to support a growing demand for outdoor education in Ireland, reflecting a nationwide focus on environmental sustainability and the practical application of science subjects.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Pippa Hackett commended the North East Forestry Group, saying: “This is a great initiative that will help to inspire the next generation and educate them on the role of trees and forests in the wider environment. I’ve no doubt Classrooms into the Woodlands will be a great success in the North East, and I’m delighted that my Department is in a position to provide funding to expand the previous pilot programme.”
Building on the success of a 2023 pilot project, this initiative will provide students with hands-on experiences in forestry and environmental education. As part of a pilot funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, NEFG members hosted five tours across counties Meath and Cavan, involving over 200 students from local schools, including Boyne Community School and O’Carolan College, as part of an initiative.
Derek McCabe, Chairman of NEFG, sees this programme as a breakthrough in how we engage students with nature: “This project is about more than just showing students a forest—it’s about immersing them in the science and sustainability of forestry. The feedback from the pilot was overwhelmingly positive, and the benefits for students were clear. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to schools across the province.”
A local teacher, Nick Kenny, from St. Oliver Post Primary School in Oldcastle, praised the programme’s impact on his second year woodwork students: “The students were able to see the direct impact of forestry on climate change, biodiversity, and local industry. It’s one thing to learn about these topics in a classroom, but being in the forest gave them a whole new appreciation of its importance.”
A secondary school student from O’Carolan College, Rory Rennick shared his enthusiasm for the experience: “I didn’t realise how much science goes into managing a forest. Seeing the trees and learning about how they help the environment made me think differently about the world around me.”
In addition to the school tours, NEFG is launching a comprehensive training manual to support other forest owners in delivering similar tours. The manual offers step-by-step guidance for planning, safety, and activity design, ensuring a standardised approach that can be adapted across Ireland. This resource is complemented by a series of videos and further materials available through the NEFG website.
McCabe added: “With the help of experts like Teagasc, we’ve ensured this initiative is not only engaging but educational and adaptable. By providing a manual and additional resources, we’re empowering forest owners to lead their own school tours and contribute to the educational mission.”
