Welcome to
La Pintadera Nature School
- Bringing Forest School and Nature Connection to east calder and beyond!
La Pintadera Nature School is a school with no walls, a school that comes to you and offers its participants the opportunity to explore, connect and appreciate Nature.
Explore
Discover the world around you—from your local park to expansive nature reserves. Nature is everywhere, waiting to be uncovered. Let curiosity guide you as you explore not just the outdoors but the depths of your own potential.
Connect
Forge meaningful connections—with nature, with yourself, with your learning, and with others. At La Pintadera Nature School, we cultivate a sense of belonging, nurturing every individual while fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Appreciate
Embrace the wonder of nature and the countless gifts it offers. Pause to marvel at its beauty and find gratitude in its abundance, enriching your life with awe and mindfulness.
La Pintadera Nature School
About me
My name is Ester. I am a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast with a strong interest in the Arts, creativity and outdoor learning. My interests have taken me to different places over the years. I studied a Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Education in England, worked in an outdoor nursery in Scotland and more recently trained as a Forest School Leader in Ireland.
My Mission
After 15 years working as an early years teacher I have decided to create “La Pintadera Nature School” to share with as many children, teachers and families as possible my passion for learning in nature, with nature and from nature.
La Pintadera Nature School
My story
I grew up in a city near Barcelona in Spain. From a young age I knew I wanted to become a teacher being hugely inspired by my primary school teacher. Looking back, I see now that I fell in love with the way she taught. I remember going for walks with our nature journals where we would record smells, feelings, sensations, observations, etc. A journal where we drew pictures, wrote poems and stuck samples. I remember her approving of us climbing trees, while going against her colleagues. I remember the relationship we had with her. Her way of being with us, the freedom we experienced, the songs, the stories, the joy for learning, the time to have conversations, etc. When I found Forest School, I found her teachings again and I then decided that I wanted as many people as possible to experience this way of being, learning and growing.
I would like for children and adults alike to experience the well-being effects of spending time outdoors, reconnecting with nature, others and ourselves. I believe it is possible to connect with nature in even the most urbanised areas, and maybe those are the places where it is more important to do so. I grew up in a city and I am constantly learning new things about biodiversity, ecosystems, bush crafts skills, etc. It is a real pleasure to be in this journey and I would love to share it with you.
La Pintadera Nature School
Why "La Pindatera Nature School"?
Why "La Pintadera"?
Names carry meaning, and “La Pintadera” is no exception. While it might not seem like an obvious choice for a new business in Ireland, it holds deep personal significance for me. My fascination with pintaderas began when I first discovered them in Sardinia. These ancient, intricately designed geometric stamps captured my imagination. Later, I learned that pintaderas were also found in the Canary Islands—both places with deep ties to my personal story: my father is from Tenerife, and my mother-in-law is from Sardinia.
The name “La Pintadera” resonates further because it has no direct translation in English, allowing me to fully embrace my heritage and its unique cultural richness. Historically, pintaderas were prehistoric clay stamps used to decorate bread, textiles, and even skin across different cultures. By choosing this name, I aim to evoke a connection to the past, celebrate the artistry of handmade objects crafted from natural materials, and inspire others to consider the unique mark they wish to leave in the world.
Why "Nature School"?
While I am a trained Forest School Leader, I wanted a name that went beyond just forests. “Nature School” reflects my broader vision—one that includes beaches, meadows, and even urban environments. It speaks to the diverse and interconnected ways we can engage with the natural world, no matter where we are.
Forest School Programmes in schools
Partnering with schools and preschools in the Cork area to provide children and teachers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Forest School and connect with nature.
Creative workshops
Children and family workshops crafted as one-off experiences to explore and enjoy creativity with a nature-inspired theme.
Teacher training
Training in outdoor learning and hand tools for preschool and primary school teachers who want to maximize their use of outdoor spaces and embrace nature-based education.
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