Forest fun for families

Outdoorplaypack

Youngsters at 15 nurseries across Monklands now have the chance to try out a new resource encouraging families to enjoy safe outdoor play in the area’s woodlands.

Staff have completed “forest kindergar ten” training with Forestry Commission Scotland and the participating centres now have rucksacks packed with fun resources and activities from the programme on offer for families to borrow.

Cont e nt s include binoculars, a bug viewer and magnifying glass, puppets, outdoor play equipment including a tarpaulin, pegs and a sitting mat, plus a story book and activity sheets.

They are available from the nursery classes at Clarkston, Drumpark, New Monkland, Our Lady & St Joseph’s, Sikeside, St Kevin’s, St Serf’s and St Timothy’s primaries, as well as those at Glenmanor and St Michael’s primaries in Moodiesburn.

Packs are also available at Coatbridge’s Dunbeth family learning centre, New College nursery and Kirktonholme Nursery ( Piccolo), plus Jigsaw family learning centre in Muirhead.

Forest kindergarten activities include tracking animals, building dens, exploring for bugs, arts and crafts plus learning about the dangers and risks in a woodland setting.

Marian Cairns of Forestry Commission Scotland said: “The forest family bags build on our existing training for nursery staff.

“They enhance the benefits of learning in woodlands, and support children in enjoying their local woods alongside their parents.”