Forest Family Bags up for grabs at Glasgow nurseries
Twenty-three nurseries across Glasgow have received Forestry Commission Scotland Forest Family Bags in support of safe outdoor play in the woodlands.
Article Source: Forestry Commission Scotland
Last Updated: 27 March 2018 11:20
Families can now borrow a rucksack packed full of advice, ideas, resources and fun activities to do outdoors from their children’s nursery or family learning centre.
These nurseries have been selected following the completion of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Forest Kindergarten training and are actively following the Forest Kindergarten programme.
The rucksacks include advice and information for families while visiting their local woodland area, as well as tools to support outdoor play including tarpaulin, pegs and a sitting mat. The bags also enable children to explore using their senses and imagination, through a range of fun activities, including activity sheets, a story book, finger puppet, binoculars, bug viewer and magnifying glass.
Marian Cairns, forest kindergarten officer at Forestry Commission Scotland, said: “Forestry Commission Scotland is committed to extending the responsible use of woodlands and green spaces. These forest family bags support children in enjoying their local woods alongside their parents. The contents of the bags support understanding, learning and enjoyment. This initiative builds upon our existing training for nursery staff and enhances the benefits of learning in woodlands.”
Lauren Maguire, manager at Mulberry Bush Montessori, which piloted the Forest Family Bags, said: “Mulberry has been practising Forest Kindergarten for a number of years. Our children, parents and staff are delighted with the introduction of the Forest Family Bag, which is a great resource for linking home and nursery activities. The bag has enabled our parents to take learning outdoors and get the whole family involved – a great resource and great fun for all our active learners.”
Forestry Commission Scotland started developing the Forest Kindergarten programme in 2009, which is a practical, hands-on course designed to specifically meet the needs of early years staff and equip them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to support children in learning through play in local woodlands and greenspaces. The programme promotes the use of woodlands as a learning environment and involves a range of activities, including exploring for bugs, tracking animals, building dens, arts and crafts and learning about the dangers and risks to look out for in a woodland setting.
Research has shown that play and learning in woodland and green spaces leads to a range of benefits for children’s development, including better concentration, better communication skills, greater stamina, improved balance and coordination, increased confidence and appreciation and understanding of the outdoors. A ‘ripple’ effect also occurs as families then choose to access outdoor spaces more frequently. The forest family bags are designed to enhance this benefit.
For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland’s Forest Kindergarten programme and the Forest Family Bags, contact Marian Cairns at marian.cairns@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Full list of Glasgow nurseries which have received the Forest Family Bags:
• Rising Stars
• Seudan Beaga
• Orchard Grove Kindergarten
• The Family Legacy
• Glasgow Kelvin Busy Bees
• Maryhill Step by Step
• Kelvinside Academy
• Woodlands Outdoor Kindergarten
• Mulberry Bush Montessori
• Woodlands Outdoor Kindergarten - West
• Deanpark Nursery School
• Wyndford Nursery School
• Castlemilk Family Learning Centre
• Drumchapel Family Learning Centre
• Lyoncross Nursery
• Castlemilk Day Nursery
• Chesters Nursery
• Sandyford Day Nursery
• Pikeman Nursery and Family Learning Centre
• Onslow Drive Day Nursery
• Nitsdale Road
• Buchlyvie Nursery
• Broomloan Nursery
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Iconic singer songwriter Horse to perform spectacular rooftop set at the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April
Legendary Scottish singer-songwriter Horse McDonald is set to deliver an unforgettable performance on top of the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
First Bus to improve reliability of over 30 Glasgow bus services thanks to AI
First Bus is making minor service updates to 33 routes across Glasgow from Sunday 20th April as its new AI-driven timetables continue to improve reliability for customers across the city.
READ MORE
June dates now on sale for Bongos Bingo, including 90s specials!
Expect all of the usual madness plus special themed prizes and music at Bongo's Bingo's 90s specials at SWG3 Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
HARIBO UK announces first Scottish retail store in Silverburn shopping centre
Scottish HARIBO-lovers are in for a treat! The UK’s leading confectionery manufacturer, and creator of Tangfastics and Starmix, is set to open its first retail store in Scotland.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
American BBQ legend and first Arab pitmaster both set to cook in Scotland for the first time
Pioneering pitmaster Pat Martin is coming to Glasgow as Meatopia makes its Scottish debut at SWG3 in June!
READ MORE
Taste the Place launches to celebrate culinary heritage of Glasgow
Taste the Place, a new range of experiences celebrating Glasgow's rich cultural heritage through food, has launched!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces record breaking statistics as festival draws to a close
Glasgow International Comedy Festival welcomed over 61,000 comedy fans to 605 shows this year, marking its biggest ever event!
READ MORE
Premium menswear brand, Bee Inspired, confirmed for Silverburn
Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn has expanded its streetwear offering with the addition of globally recognised urban fashion brand, Bee Inspired.
READ MORE
Pitch perfect Govan Music Festival wraps up fantastic fourth edition
Govan Music Festival has wrapped up in Glasgow after four joyful days of music and community participation, showcasing themes of hope, renewal and connection across its programme.
READ MORE
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton to star in supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre Glasgow is delighted to announce that Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton will star in the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story!
READ MORE
Rosco McClelland wins Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at GICF
Rosco McClelland has been announced as the winner of 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup
University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.
READ MORE
Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems
An open-top bus company is offering a new tour of Glasgow, highlighting its hidden gems and maritime history.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!
Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!
READ MORE
Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO
Darren Day and Sinitta will join Strictly star Janette Manrara when CHICAGO comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in August!
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus
Clyde Chorus, part of Glasgow 850, is thrilled to unveil its festival showcase acts, featuring an eclectic mix of talent that celebrates Glasgow’s rich and diverse musical heritage.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway
Immersive VR film at Glasgow Central station invites passengers to find out how they can help to tackle sexual harassment on the railways.
READ MORE
Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!
Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania
READ MORE
Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow
Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.
READ MORE
Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society
This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.
READ MORE
Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian
Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances
Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links