Moira welcomes local nature rangers

September 20, 2021

Beautiful Moira Demesne is now home to the first ‘Nature Rangers’ centre in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

This educational outdoor learning service is operated by Northern Ireland Forest School. Their after school programme is currently running Monday to Friday and facilitated by qualified, experienced staff.  It utilises the variety of environmental resources within the park whilst also making use of the education room for indoor activities.

Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Committee Chair welcomes this new outdoor learning experience for children.  She said: “As a parent of a young child I understand the need to keep your child connected with nature.  Moira Demesne Nature Rangers will give children the chance to embrace, explore and enjoy nature while learning within this beautiful park.  They can participate in activities such as bug hunts, den building, flower pounding, climbing and using small tools and natural materials for arts and crafts.”

Moira Demesne Nature Rangers will also be a hub for supporting the growth of the Forest School. 

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Vice-Chair of Leisure & Community Development Committee added: “The council welcomes the diversification of the Forest School to offer support to local parents.  It provides an opportunity for children to spend time outdoors with nature and have ‘less screen time’.  We are also pleased the Forest School will maintain its great work in outdoor education with schools in our area.”

Moira Demesne Nature Rangers will collect those local schoolchildren participating in the after school club from their school.  Please email: mdnaturerangers@gmail.com to find out more.