New workbook opens young eyes to Longford’s woodland wildlife
The Longford Woodlands Wildlife Workbook was officially unveiled this week at Forgney National School
The Longford Woodlands Wildlife Workbook was officially unveiled this week at Forgney National School, which is located beside Newcastle Woods, offering children an fun, engaging and practical way to learn about the plants and animals found in local woodland habitats.
Copies will now also be distributed to every primary school in County Longford.
The workbook marks the second instalment in a countywide wildlife education series, building on the success of the Longford Boglands Wildlife Workbook.
This latest edition explores both native and non-native species living in Longford’s forests and woodlands, and aims to help young pupils enjoy a better understanding of the biodiversity that surrounds them.
Funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund, with additional support from Longford County Council, the workbook has been developed as a hands-on classroom resource that also encourages outdoor learning and exploration.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, praised the initiative and the local expertise involved in bringing it together.
“This workbook is a real credit to County Longford," he said. "It celebrates the wildlife we have on our doorstep and does so in a way that is engaging, accurate and easy for children to understand.”
“It is especially encouraging to see local creativity and expertise at the heart of the project, from the artwork to the biodiversity content.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said the workbook will help children build a lasting appreciation for nature.
“Woodlands support biodiversity, but they are also part of our biodiversity in their own right. This workbook helps young people to see that clearly. By learning about the plants and animals around them, children can develop a sense of care and responsibility for nature that will stay with them into adulthood.”
Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme