Let acorns become mighty oaks
Perfect for little ones 0 - 5 years old
Our pre-school playgroup with a difference, connecting children with nature; encouraging 0-5yr olds away from plastic toys to learn, play and have fun outdoors. Children can begin to have their first delightful encounters with wildlife close up, spotting frogs and newts in a pond or looking at mini-beasts with a magnifying glass. Sessions include hands-on outdoor sensory activities, role-play games, natural crafts, and wildlife-themed stories.
These playgroups are also a great chance for parents and guardians to meet and catch up with others over a cup of tea outdoors.
Nature Tots sessions are run by our own engagement staff and volunteers at The Wildlife Discovery Room at Carsington Water. There are also Nature Tots session run by partner organisations at Tideswell Community Kitchen Garden, Rosliston Forestry Centre and Allestree Park. No matter the location you can be guaranteed that you and your toddler will have fun connecting with nature outdoors!
Prices for sessions at each location vary due to the funding available and nature of the provision. Please see below for more information on dates, times and facilities for each location.
Come along and have some fun...
Find session info and upcoming dates below:
Allestree Park Nature Tots
Meet by the Pop up Woodland Canopy - a simple parachute shelter between the trees - near the utility building facing the hall (What3Words - moth.posed.fleet). The sessions will take place under the canopy to provide weather protection while children enjoy the woodland space.
For more info contact Caroline at St Edmunds - steds.stmatts@outlook.com - 01332 552031
Address: Allestree Park, Duffield Road, Derby, DE22 2EU
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Upcoming dates:
June 11th
July 9th
September 10th
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th
Cost: Suggested £2 cash donation on arrival
Carsington Nature Tots
No pre-booking required, this is a drop-in event, with last entry at 11am.
Address: Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Derbyshire, DE6 1ST
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Upcoming dates:
June 1st, 15th, 29th
July 13th, 27th
August 10th, 24th
September 7th, 21st
October 5th, 19th
November 2nd, 16th, 30th
December 14th
Cost: £6 per child, with additional children from the same family £3 each.
Free parking available - please speak to Visitor Centre reception staff.
Rosliston Forestry Centre - Saplings Nature Tots
Please meet at the outdoor classroom. Pay in the shop.
Address: Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Road, Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 8JX
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am
Upcoming dates:
June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
December 2nd, 9th, 16th
Cost: £6 per child (£4.50 for siblings or childminder groups)
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Toilets
Accessible Toilet
Baby Changing Facilities
Disabled Parking
Rowsley Nature Tots
Level is a stunning contemporary arts centre, tucked away in rural Derbyshire. We’re home to a diverse, year-round programme of visual art exhibitions and digital installations that are free to visit. Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Visit our What’s On page to find out more.
Join us for our Nature Tots sessions, taking place on one Friday per month - see upcoming dates below. These sessions are open to all children aged 0-5. The site is fully accessible.
Address:
LEVEL Centre
Old Station Close,
Rowsley
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 2EL
Times:
10.00-11.30am
Upcoming Dates:
June 19th
July 17th
Tideswell Nature Tots
Drop in at any time, no need to book.
Address: Tideswell Community Kitchen Garden, SK17 8NE. Find us behind Tideswell Library at the back of St John's Churchyard
Dates: These sessions take place fortnightly on Fridays from 10-12 (term time only).
Upcoming dates:
June 5th, 19th
July 3rd, 17th
Cost: Suggested £2 cash donation on arrival
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Wheelchair Access
Assistance dogs permitted
Toilets
Wingerworth Nature Tots
No need to book, please arrive for 10am start.
Address: Avenue Country Park, Wingerworth S42 6LX - meet by the car park
Dates: These sessions take place on the last Friday of the month, from 10-11am.
Upcoming dates:
June 26th
July 31st
August 28th
Sept 25th
Cost: Suggested £2 cash donation on arrival
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Parking is available on site for free
Please note there is no toilet available on site
Nature Tots (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m1J3bf7MoY&t=4s)
Get an inside look at our Nature Tots session at Carsington Water.
The sessions are great and we’ve made some fantastic things from houses for bees, bird feeders, leaf art, clay models, as well as learning about bugs, insects, trees, bats and pond life.
Children are happier and healthier when they're closer to nature.* The Wildlife Trusts have been helping children to experience and learn about the natural world for more than 50 years.The Wildlife Trusts