Who Can Join?
Mini Foresters is designed for children aged 2-6 years who are ready to explore the wonders of the outdoors. Rain or shine, our sessions encourage little explorers to embrace nature in a picturesque woodland landscape, complete with a cozy, heated shelter for chilly days.
Discover and Learn
As Mini Foresters, your children will engage in hands-on activities that spark creativity, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness. Each week offers a new opportunity for adventure as they delve into the natural world, fostering a love for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
What’s in Store?
Mini Foresters sessions draw inspiration from popular children’s books, shaping weekly activities like den building, whittling, bug hunting, and sound safaris. From crafting with woodland treasures to toasting marshmallows around the campfire, each moment adds to their adventure.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our session leader at the Batsford Arboretum main car park, right by the Mini Foresters sign. From there, it’s a quick 30-second stroll to our magical site, where imagination runs wild in a world crafted just for them.
A Place of Wonder
Mini Foresters provides a treasure trove of exploration and play. Discover secret wooded areas for hide-and-seek, a mud kitchen for creative play, wooden tipis for imaginative games, and balance logs that help boost coordination and confidence.
Safety and Supervision
Our qualified team of DBS-checked, first-aid certified leaders ensures a safe and supervised experience. Mini Foresters is a stay-and-play setting, meaning guardians are present and engaged in the fun while maintaining responsibility for their young explorers.
How to dress for a session
Sessions run rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly! If severe weather like high winds or lightning is expected, we’ll notify you of any cancellations as early as possible.
To keep little foresters protected from insects, scratches, and sun exposure, we recommend covering arms and legs regardless of the temperature. Layers under waterproofs work best, as the forest floor often remains damp, particularly in the mornings. Wellies or closed-toe shoes are ideal for keeping little toes safe. Grown-up foresters should consider covering up too!
Discover the Magic of Forest School!
Each week, we introduce a new theme inspired by beloved children's books. Your child will dive into a world of exciting activities, including: Building dens, bug hunts, sound safaris and, cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen They can also enjoy birdwatching from our bird hide, checking in on the residents of our bug hotels, and splashing around at the water wall.
And no forest adventure is complete without a campfire! We always end the day toasting marshmallows—creating memories that last a lifetime.
Januarys forest school timetable
Glow and Shadow | 9th January
Making glow tubes and experimenting with shadows. Our featured book is Firefly Home by Jane Clarke.
Celebrating National Hug Day | 11th & 15th January
Weaving nature hearts and creating stone hugs. Our featured book is The Hug by Eoin Mclaughlin.
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Burns Night | 23rd & 25th January
Making a Scottish thistle and creating a highland cow. Our featured book is Katie in Scotland by James Mayhew.
Big Garden Bird Watch | 30th January
Creating a bird box and making a bird feeder. Our featured book is Wow said the Owl by Tim Hopgood.