Imagine…

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A place where children reconnect with themselves, the land, and their natural curiosity.

 

Where learning unfolds gently through time outdoors, and nature becomes both teacher and classroom.

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What we are creating

 

We are developing a small, nature-based Forest School in Somerset for children who feel most at ease when learning outside traditional classroom environments.

 

This includes children who are neurodivergent, highly sensitive, deeply creative, or who simply thrive in slower, quieter, and more connected ways of learning.

 

Our approach is child-led, relational, and grounded in trust. We honour each child’s natural rhythm, allowing space for curiosity, movement, rest, play, and deep focus.

 

Alongside this freedom, children are gently supported with structure and thoughtfully offered activities that nurture key areas of learning including communication, early numeracy, scientific thinking, creativity, and practical life skills, all through nature-based experience.

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Learning with the land

 

Our site includes a developing community garden and food forest, offering children regular opportunities to connect with the natural world in meaningful, hands-on ways.

 

Children may:

• grow food and tend plants

• observe seasonal change

• explore soil, insects, and ecosystems

• engage in practical outdoor making and discovery

 

Time in nature supports confidence, resilience, regulation, and a deep sense of belonging... Especially for children who benefit from calmer, less overstimulating environments.

 

What Forest School looks like here

 

There is a gentle rhythm to the day, shaped by both structure and freedom.

 

Children are invited into a rich outdoor environment where they can:

• follow their own interests and ideas

• take part in guided activities and shared experiences

• move between quiet exploration, group connection, and focused learning

• develop skills through hands-on, meaningful engagement

 

Experienced practitioners hold the space with care, offering support, observation, and gentle guidance where needed, while allowing each child’s learning journey to unfold naturally.

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We follow the rhythm of nature and the interests of the children.

Each session blends:

• Forest School principles

• Primary curriculum learning (brought to life outdoors)

• Child-led exploration and play

• Practical woodland skills and creativity

Children may be building dens one moment, observing insects the next, or working together on a storytelling circle that connects literacy, imagination, and place.

What’s coming next

We are opening some pilot Thursdays over the summer holidays before our full launch.

These sessions are a chance to experience our approach, meet the space, and feel into whether it’s right for your family.

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From September, we will be running weekly sessions during term time:

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Small groups. Seasonal learning. Deep connection to place.

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Wraparound Care

Extended care may be available on request.
Please contact us to discuss your needs.

 

These sessions will grow gradually in response to interest from families, allowing us to keep groups small, grounded, and responsive to the children attending.

 

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We are building this slowly, with care, and alongside the land itself.​

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A note from us

 

This is the beginning of something being grown gently, in rhythm with the seasons and the land.

 

Thank you for being here at the start.

 

With gratitude,
Mandala & the Splatt Farm Gardens Team