Seedlings Nature Stay and Play Under 8's

These weekly sessions are for families with young children and babies, to spend time in nature, using the senses to explore the woodland and use natural materials in play. All sessions are rooted in forest school principles and slow pedagogy.

Sessions take place across a three acre site ensuring lots of movement and physical activity, including nature walks. Parents, including first time expectant parents, can connect with others at the same stages of parenting and take time to talk and share in facilitated talking circles. Throughout sessions parents and children take part in seasonal creative activities that follow the nature connection pathway, supporting mindfulness, and learning techniques that can be used to support mental well-being outside of sessions. Each session follows a rhythm of activity; learning seasonal stories and songs that support early communication skills. We follow the first 2000 days framework to support parents to learn different ways to support all areas of their child’s development. The sessions are particularly suited to neurodivergent parents and those who feel anxious to join large groups.

Each week we offer natural crafts and messy play in the mud kitchen . Den building and tree climbing are always available.There is time for relaxation in our hammocks and tipis and quiet areas for reading with your child. We share snacks around the fire circle , tell stories, sing songs and reflect on our time in nature.

Through regular weekly sessions we aim to create a community group, developing friendships and sharing ideas, skills and knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SESSIONS WILL BE MOVING FROM DODDINGTON HALL, TO A WOODLAND IN LINCOLN, AT SOME POINT IN THE AUTUMN TERM. WE WILL GIVE NOTICE FOR THIS