Forest School Fun at Ardan Wood: Kilbeggan N.S

Calling on schools local to Ardan Wood near Kilbeggan in Westmeath!!

Join us at our beloved Ardan Wood, a pocket of ancient native woodland located near Kibleggan in Co. Westmeath. We've recently purchased all the surrounding lands and our local Westmeath branch are in process of assisting the natural expansion of the woodland for the first time in over 200 years!

As part of an ongoing commitment of our branch to include local schools in this project, we are inviting schools from nearby Kilbeggan and Rahue to join us in one of two sessions hosted on Tuesday 21st May and Wednesday 22nd May. In these sessions, led by local branch members and staff from the Native Woodland Trust, we will explore Ardan Wood and learn about some of the unique trees, plants and animals that call the woodland home and how native woodlands contribute to a biodiverse and wild Ireland. We'll also visit the newly acquired fields and investigate how exactly this old woodland is expanding already by itself naturally! The day will include some forest-school related activities to allow for creative thinking based on the signs, sounds and smells experienced throughout the day.

Where: We will meet at the entrance to Ardan Wood. Google Maps Link here

P arking: On arrival, our staff and branch members will direct you to available parking nearby. Please try to carpool or use alternative travel means where you can as parking is limited on site. Coaches are welcome to drop off passengers at the main entrance.

W hen:

• Morning session: 11am-12:30pm
• Afternoon session: 1pm-2:30pm

Group Numbers:

Due to the limited size of our nature trails in Ardan Wood, we must limit session size to 25 students (excluding teachers/guardians).

W hat to bring:

On making reservation of tickets, a member of Native Woodland Trust staff will contact you via email to confirm precise requirements for your school group.

Toilet Facilities: Please note that there are no toilet facilities on site. The nearby town of Kilbeggan is less than 8 minutes drive from the site with the option of a Centra/Circle K garage with facilities. However, we cannot guarantee that the toilet will be in working order.

Cancellation Note: Events may be cancelled on short notice if there are adverse weather conditions or weather warnings in place. In the event that we do cancel an event on short notice, we will send an email to inform you as early as possible.