Coill na bPáistí Training

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.

ABOUT COILL NA BPÁISTÍ

Coill na bPáistí (Children’s Forest) 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.

WHO IS IT FOR?

• Forest School leaders
• Teachers & educators
• Early years practitioners
• Environmental educators
• Community leaders
• Anyone inspired to work with children to restore woodlands

WHY ATTEND?

• 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: SATURDAY – SUNDAY
(8TH & 9TH AUGUST)
FOREST FROM SEED

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: MONDAY – TUESDAY
(10TH & 11TH AUGUST)
CHILDREN’S FOREST FACILITATOR TRAINING

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.

YOUR FACILITATORS

ANNA RICHARDSON

Founder & Director, 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 20 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

Nature Connection mentor and Story Keeper

Jen is a storyteller and hearth keeper, part of the team bringing the old ways to the Children’s Forest. She facilitates on courses and holds a regular fire for the heartwood team and monthly Children’s Fires for the community. She has a passion for deep nature connection and the inspiration and magic that arises from reconnecting with the land.

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

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

Book camp places here: HERE

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