New Longford Woodlands Wildlife Workbook launched at Forgney National School

Longford County Council will distribute workbooks to all primary schools

A new Longford Woodlands Wildlife Workbook was officially launched this week at Forgney National School, beside Newcastle Woods, giving primary school pupils across the county a fun and practical way to learn about local wildlife.
The workbook is the second in a county series, following the successful Longford Boglands Wildlife Workbook. It focuses on the wide range of species found in Longford’s woodlands, with a balanced look at both native and non‑native plants and animals. 
The project was funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, with 15% match funding from Longford County Council.
Developed as a hands‑on learning resource, the workbook is designed to support classroom learning while encouraging children to explore and value the natural environment around them. Copies will be delivered to every primary school in County Longford.
The workbook was created through a local collaboration involving Mary Fleming of Rusty Lemon Designs, Mark Nolan of Biodiversity in Schools, Adam Mulvihill, Biodiversity Officer with Longford County Council, Martina Needham, County Librarian, and Mairéad Ní Chonghaile, Heritage Officer with Longford County Council. 
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said, “This workbook is a real credit to County Longford. 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, “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. It is a valuable resource for schools and for the county as a whole.”
The launch location at Forgney National School, next to Newcastle Woods, highlighted the close link between the workbook and the real landscapes it explores, reinforcing the message that nature learning begins close to home.