THE ENCHANTED FOREST BECOMES FIRST MAJOR LIGHT TRAIL TO INTRODUCE SPECIALIST COMMUNICATION BOARDS

Scotland’s trailblazing sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, is set to become the first major light trail in the country to introduce specialist communication boards, designed to help children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) engage more fully with the award winning magical experience, which this year kicks off on 2 October and runs through to 2 November.

According to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy’s 2025 report, Transforming Support for Children and Young People in Scotland, around 275,000 children and young people in Scotland are predicted to have a speech, language or communication need, with 10% experiencing persistent challenges. This is approximately two to three children in every classroom. Since the pandemic, nurseries and early years staff have reported a surge in cases, with 89% seeing an increase in both the numbers and complexity of children requiring support.

The NHS Tayside Child Health Profile report 2023/24 highlights that the most common developmental concern raised at child health reviews is speech, language, and communication.

The specially designed communication boards, created in partnership with NHS Tayside, will be placed at each of the lighting installations throughout The Enchanted Forest event. NHS Tayside, in conjunction with Enable Communities, has developed a standard core set of symbols and words, which are displayed on the boards. These give children a visual way to express themselves, making the event a truly communication-friendly environment for families.

There are a number of communication boards in local community settings across Tayside, including within a community run park in Methven.

Joanna Ford, NHS Tayside Speech and Language Therapy Lead, said: “Communication difficulties are often invisible, but they can have a profound effect on children and families. By introducing communication boards at Scotland’s largest sound and light show, we are raising awareness and providing a practical tool that makes inclusion real. It’s simple, effective, and helps every child engage more fully with the magic of the event.”

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, added: “The Enchanted Forest has always been about wonder, storytelling, and bringing people together. We are proud to be the first major light trail to champion communication boards in partnership with NHS Tayside. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusion and child wellbeing, values at the heart of our Community Trust. Just as the show lights up the forest, we hope this small but powerful addition will light up new ways for children to connect, express themselves, and be part of the shared joy.”

The initiative has also been supported by MacKinnon Slater, the family-run print company that produced the boards, further underlining the community spirit behind the project.

A spectacular, multi-award-winning immersive art experience, this year’s Enchanted Forest organisers are inviting visitors to explore the ethereal world of Luminara, a celebration of the unseen connections between nature and technology.

For further information and to book tickets, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.