Inspired by our close connection to nature, the nursery has taken an exciting step forward by establishing a hugely popular Forest Activity Programme. We are incredibly fortunate to have private access to a well-established woodland play area located directly beside the nursery. This natural space is used daily and provides a rich forest learning environment, surrounded by majestic oak trees, wildflowers, and seasonal bluebell patches.
Our Forest School sessions are led throughout the week by Annette, our dedicated Forest School Leader, who supports children in developing confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of the natural world through hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
What do we do in the forest?
All our activities are carefully planned depending on the season, weather and children’s interests. At the beginning of each session children are given a briefing of the activities and can then take part in a planned adult led activities or choose to explore the woodland.
Typical activities include:
- Exploring the forest
- Sensory walks
- Mini beast hunts/visiting our bug hotel
- Fairy garden
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Den building
- Mud kitchen play
- Being creative with materials found in the forest
- Creating shelters and feeders for wildlife
- Camp fire/marshmallow toasting
The list of activities that can happen in the forest are endless!
Alison Deere the Nursery Owner and Manager tells us that:
‘’Part of our ethos here at Hatton Nursery is offering our children the chance to grow up in harmony with nature. The children really love playing outside, spending time with the animals and exploring the Adventure Farm. After researching the benefits of a Forest activity programme, it seemed an amazing way to further foster an awareness of the natural world and fantastic way for the children to learn through play’’.
The roots of the woodland play approach originated in Scandinavia, the natural environment is regarded as an educational resource where children can learn through play, develop confidence and self-esteem whilst experiencing appropriate risk and challenges.
The forest activities programme is planned to flow throughout the year, following the seasons and in all weather. Although the aim is to encourage children to develop and lead their own learning, a set structure offers chances to use real tools, build dens, learn about the environment and toast marshmallows over an open fire.
