Sligo Woodland School, led by Trisha MacLaughlin, is a unique educational initiative with a deep-rooted commitment to fostering creative connections with nature while imparting valuable skills and knowledge. This outdoor school offers a wide range of engaging activities that enable individuals and communities to explore and appreciate the natural world.

At the heart of Sligo Woodland School’s philosophy is the belief in nurturing a strong bond between people and the environment. Through various outdoor adventures, participants have the opportunity to connect with nature in meaningful ways. Activities include foraging, creating nature-based art and crafts, playing nature embodiment games and songs, and learning essential bushcraft skills.

Trisha MacLaughlin, the driving force behind the school, brings over 22 years of experience in community development and early childhood care education to her role as an educational outdoor leader. Her expertise is enriched by a Master’s degree in Creative Development in Early Childhood Care and Education and a Level 3 (UK) Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership. Trisha’s research has notably focused on the benefits of outdoor risky play for learning.

Throughout her career, Trisha has not only worked in education but also actively contributed to community projects and research initiatives. She has collaborated with organizations such as Sligo LEADER and played a pivotal role in projects like “Soil is Not Dirt,” which aimed to engage preschools, primary schools, community groups, and resident associations in nature-based workshops.

Moreover, Trisha’s dedication extends to her involvement as a founding committee member of the Irish Forest School Association and the Sligo Children’s Community Garden. Her commitment to community and nature-based learning is evident in her work on projects funded by Community Foundation Ireland, focusing on intergenerational learning, nature-based education, and climate awareness.

In essence, Sligo Woodland School, under the guidance of Trisha MacLaughlin, is a place where people of all ages can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, learn essential skills, and foster a lifelong connection with the environment while promoting community engagement and awareness.

Sligo Woodland School and Sligo Children’s Community Garden are two neighboring initiatives, both dedicated to connecting children and families with nature, but they serve different purposes and operate under different models.

Sligo Woodland School

  • Type: Business
  • Mission: Sligo Woodland School is a business that offers educational programs focused on nature connection and outdoor learning. Led by Trisha MacLaughlin, who has extensive experience in early childhood care and community development, the school is dedicated to nurturing a deep connection between individuals and the natural world through hands-on activities.
  • Activities: The school runs camps, birthday parties, and various workshops that include foraging, bushcraft skills, nature-based art, and games. These activities are designed to develop practical skills, foster creativity, and encourage a love for the outdoors.
  • Focus: Providing structured, nature-based educational experiences through paid programs and events.
  • Type: Non-Profit Organization
  • Sligo Children’s Community Garden (SCCG)
  • Mission: SCCG is a community-based, non-profit initiative that was established in 2020. Our primary focus is on providing a growing space where children and families can learn about biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and the “grow your own” ethos. We aim to foster a sense of community and environmental awareness through gardening, creative projects, and educational activities.
  • Activities: SCCG hosts family days, parent/carer and toddler groups, and outreach programs for marginalized communities. We also collaborate with local artists to involve the community in creative, nature-inspired projects. Our goal is to create a welcoming space for learning and growth, both in the garden and in the broader community.
  • Focus: Building community bonds, promoting sustainability, and educating children about nature and gardening.

Shared Space, Different Goals

While both Sligo Children’s Community Garden and Sligo Woodland School share the same space and a common love for nature, they operate independently with different purposes:

  • Sligo Children’s Community Garden is focused on community outreach, education, and environmental awareness as a non-profit.
  • Sligo Woodland School provides specialized, paid programs designed to teach specific skills and foster personal development through nature.

By distinguishing between these two initiatives, we hope to clarify that while they coexist and complement each other, they serve different aspects of our community’s relationship with nature.