What is BUDS Forest School and Outdoor Play?
Child-led Play and Exploration
Climbing and balancing
Hammock relaxation
Story telling
Care for nature
Den Building
Why Outdoor Play
Physical development:
Encourages large muscle development through running, climbing, jumping, and improves coordination and fine motor skills through manipulation of natural objects.
Cognitive development:
Provides opportunities for sensory exploration through sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, stimulating curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Social and emotional development:
Facilitates cooperation, sharing, taking turns, and building positive relationships with peers through collaborative play.
Creativity and imagination:
Offers diverse natural elements like trees, rocks, and water to spark imaginative play and storytelling.
Mental well-being:
Exposure to fresh air and natural environments can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm.
Risk management:
Allows children to assess and manage risks in a safe environment, building confidence and resilience.
Environmental awareness:
Fosters an appreciation for nature and the environment by exploring plants, animals, and different weather conditions.
Self-esteem and independence:
Provides opportunities for children to take initiative, explore independently, and achieve personal goals.
Hi! I'm Nat,
a qualified primary school teacher and Forest School Leader. I enjoy creating engaging outdoor learning opportunities and forest school experiences for children to lead their learning and connect with the world around them. I have seen with my own eyes how children thrive when they are able to explore freely and follow their curiosities.
Whilst I set up learning opportunities, quite often, the children will take their experience in a completely different direction, which I truly love to see. I love empowering children to be confident and innovative problem solvers, connecting with nature and their peers along the way.
BUDS Ethos
Play is taken seriously at BUDS. My approach is grounded in the principles of Forest School, where child-led play and exploration are at the heart of everything I do. I carefully plan a wide variety of outdoor activities that inspire curiosity and give children the freedom to follow their own interests, take the lead, and learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Whether they choose to build dens, create natural art, use tools, sing around the fire, play woodland games, or go on bug hunts, I support each child in exploring their world in their own unique way. These adventures help them grow in confidence, independence, and resilience, building valuable life skills, often without even realising they’re learning.
What Mums and Dads Say
Stay & Play Sessions
BUDS at Welford
Buds is nestled within the woodland of Welford Christmas Tree Farm, at Portly Ford Farm, Northampton Road, Welford, NN6 6JF, just off Junction 1 of the A14.
Surrounded by fragrant Christmas trees and tucked amongst the woodland, Buds feels a little like stepping through the wardrobe into a corner of Narnia; magical, green and an unmistakable air of enchantment.
Pre-booking is essential.
Buds School and
Nursery Sessions
BUDS are proud to offer a bespoke package for schools and nurseries, delivered in your own outdoor space. All sessions are delivered by the owner and founder of BUDS, Nat.
Best Buds
Birthday Party Space
Children’s birthday parties at BUDS HQ offer a relaxed, nature-inspired alternative to traditional venues. Kids can explore our themed outdoor play space tailored to their interests.
We can provide child-friendly packed lunches (sandwich, crisps, snack, drink) enjoyed in the decorated rustic barn. Weather permitting, guests can toast marshmallows around the campfire.
BUDS parties are relaxed, child-led, and open to all weather.
Think of it as a private hire of the space.