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
Address: Allestree Park, Duffield Road, Derby, DE22 2EU
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Upcoming dates:
January 15th
February 12th
March 12th
April 23rd
May 14th
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:
January 12th, 26th
February 9th, 23rd
March 9th, 23d
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:
January 7th, 14th, 21st, 27th
February 4th, 11th, 18th
March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
May 6th, 13th, 20st, 27th
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
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: Currently closed for winter
Cost: Suggested £2 cash donation on arrival
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Wheelchair Access
Assistance dogs permitted
Toilets
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