Boys strolling through a field, Emma Bradshaw
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.
Nature Tots sessions are run by our own engagement staff and volunteers at The Wildlife Discovery Room at Carsington Water and The Avenue Country Park. There are also Nature Tots session run by partner organisations at The Serpentine Community Garden in Buxton and Rosliston Forestry Centre. 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:
Tideswell Nature Tots
Nature play in the garden for under 5s! Join us for a fun and relaxed morning of digging and planting, water play, bug hunting, stories and of course, there is always fruit and veg to harvest and eat! 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
Time: 10-11.30am
Upcoming Dates:
16/5/25
23/5/25
6/6/25
13/6/25
20/6/25
27/6/25
4/7/25
11/7/25
18/7/25
Cost: We suggest a voluntary donation of £2.
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Wheelchair Access
Assistance dogs permitted
Toilets
Rosliston Forestry Centre - Saplings Nature Tots
Outdoor play for preschool children 1-4 years. 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:
7th, 14th, 21st May
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June
2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd July
Cost: £6 per child (£4.50 for Siblings or childminder groups)
Venue Accessibility Information & Amenities:
Toilets
Accessible Toilet
Baby Changing Facilities
Disabled Parking
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.
Natural progression...
Is your child a little too big for Nature Tots? Come along to one of our Family bushcraft events!
We can't wait to meet you!
Hope Forest School
Bushcraft Events
Learn more
Wildlife Watch, Emma Bradshaw
Wildlife Watch
Learn moreChildren 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