Winter wildlife adventures for under-fives across Sussex

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, 01 November 2017
Winter wildlife adventures for under-fives across Sussex
© Tamara Jewell

by Sue Curnock

Nature Tots Officer

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Tots groups of outdoor family fun, building confidence and a love of the natural world in children aged 3-5, are back for November and December.

Sessions are themed around the changing seasons and this winter we will be building dens, making snowy paw print tracks, leaping over leaf mountains, creating tree decorations from natural materials and warming up with mugs of hot chocolate.

The children will explore the woodland, meadows and hedgerows with stories, games and woodcraft activities. From making mud monsters to whittling a toasting fork; there is something for everyone. They will find out all about their local wildlife and how to care for it with hands-on activities such as bug hunting and making bird feeders or winter homes for insects.

Achievable tasks are designed to build self-esteem, develop social skills and physical coordination through successfully completing new challenges. Under close supervision by qualified Forest School staff the children learn to clamber over fallen trees or use traditional woodworking tools such as bow saws and drills to make their own wooden spinner or medallion.

Nature Tots parent and child groups are running in beautiful countryside settings across Sussex: Chesworth Farm, Horsham; Seven Sisters Country Park, Eastbourne; Stanmer Park, Brighton; Tilgate Park, Crawley; Woods Mill nature reserve, Henfield; and our newest group at Standgrove Woods, Ardingly.

So why not give it a go? Children must be accompanied by an adult and booking is essential. For further information and online booking please visit: sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturetots

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Comments

  • Jo Walton:

    Nature Tots is a brilliant fun, learning outdoor experience not just for my daughter but for me too! Enthusiastic and knowledgable leaders and volunteers make it a highlight of our week.

    01 Nov 2017 18:22:44

  • Alex De Freitas:

    I cannot recommend Nature Tots enough! Having already attended the group with my oldest daughter a year ago, I just couldn’t wait for my younger daughter to start this September. The sessions are so thoughtfully planned and always so creative. Both my daughter and I learn so much from the expertise of such friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. The winter fires and hot chocolate/marshmallows are an added bonus! Such a lovely way to spend a morning in the woods and a great chance to meet like minded people. It really is a wonderful group. Thanks to all the amazing staff for helping to create such memorable experiences with my children.

    02 Nov 2017 19:04:07

  • Elfie Gloster:

    Every child should have the chance to be a Nature Tot (and grown up too for that matter!) My son loves his two hours romping through the woods, making sparks for fires, drilling holes in wood and creating woodland homes for wildlife! The confidence and skills he learns are invaluable – but most of all it is LOTS of fun – with great activities, songs and of course hot chocolate! Thank you to everyone involved – it’s the best part of our week!

    08 Nov 2017 22:26:27

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