Speedwell Summer Fun

For the second year Speedwell Trust, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and BBC Breathing Places, organised three weeks of action packed activities and fun at their centre in Parkanaur Forest Park. Ninety children from the local community participated in the programme which ran in July and accommodated children aged between 6 – 11 years old.

Children who took part in the summer programme

A whole variety of activities were developed aimed at raising children’s awareness about their natural surroundings and promoting ways of enjoying and protecting the environment. These included minibeast hunting, pond dipping, river detectives, wildflower and tree trails, making bird boxes, orienteering, designing t-shirts and composting. In addition to this there were lots of art and craft workshops and as well as practical fun activities. The programme was led by Speedwell staff who are qualified and experienced teachers and educational assistants who work with local schools throughout the year. One parent stated ‘This is the second year that my daughter has attended the Speedwell summer scheme. She thoroughly enjoys it and has asked me to make sure she gets a place on it next year. I think that it is excellent value for money and I love to see my daughter enthusiastic and happy when I collect her. 

Exploring Parkanaur Forest

Making bird boxes