Laois families came together for an afternoon of outdoor fun, creativity and to connect with nature at an event held as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival. The event was delivered by Ossory Forest School on Sunday, October 18 and hosted by Laois Friends, Rockview Walkways and Gardens at The Rambling House, Cashel, Portlaoise.
The workshop was specially designed to give families an opportunity to spend time together in nature in an inclusive and wheelchair-accessible setting. Neurodivergent families were also welcomed, helping to ensure the experience was accessible to families with a range of needs. Children aged 5 to 12, accompanied by a parent or guardian, enjoyed a variety of hands-on outdoor activities led by Liza Delaney of Ossory Forest School, with assistance from a helper on the day.
Activities included playing games, building shelters, foraging, making wild crafts and exploring the natural surroundings together in a supportive and welcoming environment. Photographer Alf Harvey captured it all on camera. Scroll down to the bottom to see more photos.
1. Clidna Brown (Dílis); Esther Cristina and Colette O’Rourke (Community Climate Action Officer) at Families Connecting In Nature, hosted by Laois Friends at The Rambling House during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
2. Brody, Tiffany, Fiona and Brooke Phelan at Families Connecting In Nature, hosted by Laois Friends at The Rambling House during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
3. Matthew, Kai, Angeline and Matt Flanagan at Families Connecting In Nature, hosted by Laois Friends at The Rambling House during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
4. Tom Deevy and Finn Drury having created their Minecraft Den at Families Connecting In Nature, hosted by Laois Friends at The Rambling House during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Picture: Alf Harvey.