Coill na bPáistí – Children’s Forest Training in Ireland
Sat 8 Aug -Tue 11 Aug 2026 2026, 09:00 – 17:00
About the course
Practical training for Forest School leaders and changemakers
Come for a 2 day workshop or join the full 4-day journey to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to support children in creating and caring for their own native forests.
Coill na bPáistí (‘Children’s Forest’ in Irish Gaelic)) is an approach to growing forests with children, for nature and for future generations of all species.
Rooted in Forest School values, this approach brings children and their communities into the heart of the process of woodland planting. Through nature connection practices, sharing of ecological wisdom, play and creativity communities are inspired to begin a long-term journey towards nature restoration.
Transform the Vision of a healthy world for the future generations into Reality
Who is this course suitable for?
- Forest School leaders
- Teachers & educators
- Early years practitioners
- Environmental educators
- Community leaders
- Anyone inspired to work with children to restore woodlands
What you will gain?
- Gain practical, hands-on skills
- Learn a proven approach to forest creation with children
- Connect with a network of like-minded educators
- Bring meaningful climate action into your setting
- Be part of a growing movement for a wilder Ireland
Acknowledgement:
Coill na bPáistí is the Irish expression of the Children’s Forest approach, developed by Children’s Forest UK, who are sharing their knowledge and experience to support this movement in Ireland.
Workshop Structure:
WORKSHOP 1:
FOREST FROM SEED
Saturday – Sunday 8-9th August, 9-5pm
Learn how forests begin.
A hands-on introduction to:
- Identifying and collecting native tree seeds responsibly
- Processing and storing seeds
- Growing trees in nurseries and schools
- Caring for seedlings and supporting strong early growth
- Introducing the Children’s Forest journey and values
You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to start growing trees with children.
WORKSHOP 2: CHILDREN’S FOREST FACILITATOR TRAINING
Monday – Tuesday 10-11 August, 9-5pm
Learn how to lead the journey.
A practical training in:
- Facilitating child-led forest projects
- Designing and leading planting events
- Long-term care, monitoring and celebration
- Linking learning to curriculum and wellbeing
- Engaging families, schools and wider communities
You’ll leave ready to lead a children’s forest project in your community.
Participants can opt to attend either the two-day workshop, the midweek workshop, or join all four days for the full journey.
Meet your Facilitators
Anna Richardson: Founder & Director of Children’s Forest
Anna founded the Children’s Forest from her deep passion to connect children to nature through creativity and reverence for life. She has 25 years experience as a nature mentor and forest school leader, working with children of all ages and mentoring adults in plant lore, foraging, nature connection and bushcraft. She has co-authored two books: Learning with Nature and The Children’s Forest.
Pippa Johns: Forest from Seed Director and Permaculture Consultant
Pippa runs the Forest From Seed Project and manages the Tree Nursery where she facilitates children to grow native trees from local seed, for planting Children’s Forests. She has taught Permaculture for over 20 years and is passionate about inspiring people to develop their own connection to land. She has been a tutor for the Permaculture Diploma and developed her own courses in ecological gardening and connection gardening.
Jen Beaufoy Jen is a nature mentor working for children and adults, has worked as a permaculture designer and teacher, and is also a home educating mum. Jen is passionate about caring for Earth and for people and feels it is a great privilege to facilitate people’s connection to nature and witness what it brings forth.
Practical Information & Support
The Woodland League, a County Clare based organisation, is supporting this training by delivering their Forest in a Box workshop as part of the Forest From Seed training.
Accommodation
Basic and comfortable hostel accommodation in shared dormitories (6 beds).
Some rooms en-suite, others with shared bathroom facilities.
Children’s Camp
Attending the training with children? We’ve got them covered!
Forest School camp for ages 5–12:
Dates: 8–11 August 2026 (2-day or 4-day options). Time: 09:45–16:15 daily
Venue: St. Patrick’s NS, Curtlestown, Enniskerry, just 6 minutes from the training venue
Children will enjoy: Woodland adventures, nature connection activities, creative projects & crafts, stories, games & songs, lots of free play and exploration
A relaxed, nature-based camp running alongside the training, so parents can fully participate while children enjoy their own meaningful outdoor experience.
Cost: €38 per child per day (*subsidised rate)
Facilitated by Sense of Wonder Forest School
Please note: This camp is only available to children/dependents of Coill na bPáistí Training participants.
*The cost of the camp has been subsidised by the generous provision of a venue by St. Patrick’s N.S. and the support of Sense of Wonder Forest School
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected].
Location
Knockree Hostel, Lackan House, Lackandarragh, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98R2Y9
Course Fees
2 Day Forest From Seed Workshop (including lunch)
€220.00 + €4.25 booking fee8th & 9th August – Non-residential ticket – Includes Lunch
2 Day Children’s Forest Workshop (including lunch)
€220.00 + €4.25 booking feeMonday 10th & Tuesday 11th August, Non-residential, Lunch included
4 Day Forest from Seed to Children’s Forest Course (including lunch)
€395.00 + €7.00 booking fee
Terms & Conditions
A non refundable deposit of 20% will secure your place on the course. Please read the current version of our terms & conditions.
“The Children’s Forest Facilitator course has been the most inspirational training I’ve ever been on.
…I feel like I have been physically shifted in my heart after these four days. Your knowledge, your love and your organisation of the days have been so gratefully received.”~ Rosie
