Children’s Forest offers nature education play in Hornsby Shire

Hornsby Shire Council has advised that in association with the NSW Government they have unveiled a new Children’s Forest in Galston, designed specifically to nurture children’s relationship with the natural world.

The Children’s Forest is only the second of its kind in Australia and an innovative new feature of the Shire’s already treasured Fagan Park.

Featuring educational discovery pods, timber animal interactions, an outdoor learning space, Yarning Circle and a pond with stepping stones, along with grassed picnic areas and accessible pathways, the Children’s Forest provides an educational model showcasing the value of trees and was designed in close consultation with schools in the surrounding area.

Students from five schools, including children with physical or sensory needs, took part in interactive sessions submitting their ideas before an official exhibition period of the proposed design.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock shared “Growing up in Hornsby Shire myself, I still often cast my mind back to my childhood connection to trees, nature and Hornsby’s unique Blue Gum and Turpentine Ironbark forests.

“So I’m very proud to bring to life this space that is reflective of our Shire’s strong connection with nature and sees an innovative approach to strengthening this for future generations. Our thanks to the NSW Government for their support.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government’s $450,000 funding contribution will help connect young minds with their established surroundings adding “this unique addition will provide a new and exciting learning space for children to experience for decades to come, and I thank Council and the local schools for bringing this innovative space to life.”

For more information on the Metropolitan Greenspace and Places to Play programs, visit Planning NSW – Metropolitan Greenspace Program and NSW Government – Places to Play.

Learn more about the Children’s Forest