Exclusive - Children’s Minister Norma Foley is currently working on a new scheme that would provide nature-style playgrounds
13:38, 28 Dec 2025
A new plan is underway to develop forest playgrounds for children across the country.
Children’s Minister Norma Foley is currently working on a new scheme that will get more children outside and interacting with nature. The playgrounds will venture away from the typical slides and swings that are seen in parks across the country, and encourage youngsters to play games with sticks and leaves.
It also includes learning about nature, physical activities, risk-taking in a supported environment, crafting use of tools, and storytelling. The plan also provides for the development and maintenance of playgrounds and recreation facilities and teen hang-outs.
The development of these forest playgrounds will be funded from the Capital Grant Scheme for play and recreation under the Department of Children. Minister Foley said: “I am working on a new scheme to provide natural forest playgrounds for children.
"With the help of trained instructors, children set up tents, build shelters with branches and cross through the forest using rope bridges. They can identify plants and animals and play noughts and crosses with sticks and natural objects. And of course, they climb trees.”
The Children’s Minister said it’s a great opportunity for children who have limited access to open spaces and experiences in the natural world. She added: “The funding would enable the local authority provide sites for forest playgrounds to encourage and young pre-school and primary school children engage in positive outdoor experiences.
“Lots of local schools would then be able to use these forest playgrounds right throughout the school year.” The concept was successfully tested by a primary school in Cork City, where 3rd class children spent one day a week over a school year in a local wooded space.
After undertaking a course on engaging children in outdoor learning, two teachers brought the children by bus to the wooded area. Teachers reported that it had a positive impact on children’s learning, with increased school attendance, development of a group identity and enhanced confidence.
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