What is BUDS Forest School and Outdoor Play?

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

Parent Testimonial

We can’t recommend Mrs Green’s forest school experience enough, it was a favourite part of the week at school, and it was led with enthusiasm, curiosity and genuine passion for the outdoors. Fun yet informative sessions were a hit every single week, and we are looking forward to seeing BUDS thrive.

Parent Testimonial

Natalie taught both of my boys when they were 4 and 5, and her creativity, passion, and kindness shone through everything she did with them. She has a truly magical way of making learning fun and engaging. It’s safe to say she was a firm favourite in our house – an all-round awesome human we feel so lucky to have had her in our lives.

Parent Testimonial

My sons have nothing but love for you. Forest school for T was always his favourite lesson and we would talk about it four hours when coming home from svhool. M was always so happy coming out from school when you had covered his leasons. A great teacher and role model for our children.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 8 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   kim giles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My mother in law took my little one to the first 4 week term of this session and he absolutely LOVED it! He also really warmed to the session leader who is fantastic with the little ones. Highly recommended, we will definitely be returning
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Suzanne Ferncombe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had been looking for a weekly activity for my two year old for a little while since starting Buds I feel like we have hit the jackpot. Sometimes classes and group settings felt too structured and hard work but Buds is anything but, it’s calm, it’s creativity, it’s fun, it is a different adventure every week. My daughter is so excited going there and doesn’t want to leave. Natalie is fantastic and you can tell she works super hard behind the scenes to make every week and super fun.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sophie Bygraves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot recommend this forest school enough! Every session is well planned, relaxed and so much variety! My son has so much fun in the mud kitchen and in the stream (also painting himself, not the paper 🤦) Nat is kind and welcoming, she caters for all children and takes the time to engage with them all individually and develop their skills within the session too. Thank you ❤️ cannot wait to come again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Lucy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My children loved their experience at Forest School! Nat has such a lovely way with the children and it was a calm, relaxed atmosphere every week, where the children could access the activities at their own leisure. It’s given my youngest daughter more confidence in exploring outdoors and my son loved the mini beast hunts and exploring the stream!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Victoria W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Could not recommend this group enough! Nat is insanely talented at what she does and follows the children’s interests during each session to truly make it magical every time. The children are engaged within a huge variety of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Not to mention Nanny Sandra’s delicious home made treats each week! We can’t wait to come back for more sessions at Buds!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rosie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 stars simply isn’t enough, I literally cannot recommend Buds enough and I am so glad that we found these incredible forest school sessions that my daughter adores! Nat creates the most calming, magical and engaging set ups week on week to give little ones an opportunity to explore. There are different activities weekly including some themed weeks, like bees week to celebrate bee day! There is a range of activities to do whether your little one is a little shy or raring to go, some of our favourites have been a story teepee, mud kitchen, themed water plays, flower paint printing and at Busby’s meadow there was a little, shallow stream where children can have a little splash in their wellies. Also, Nat provides tea and coffee and a little sweet treat which is a delicious bonus! Honestly, I simply cannot recommend Buds enough. One of the best toddler groups I’ve been too. Can’t wait for next terms sessions! 🍃 🌺
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katya Cunnington 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have both enjoyed attending Nat's sessions each week. A variety of activities with Nat tailoring some activities to those most enjoyed by little ones such as painting or water play. Nat is warm and welcoming.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emmy Kirton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Natalie was absolutely fantastic at our first ever experience of a forest school! She made every week feel so special and my little boy (aged 3) loved every second. We can’t wait to go again!
  
 
  
  
 
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Forest school birthday parties announcement

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.

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