“We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it” George Elliot

What is Nature Explorers?

"[The children] relish going outside and exploring as ‘nature explorers’. Staff support children’s knowledge and understanding of the world around them." Ofsted July 2024

Nature Explorers is so much more than just doing activities outside. Through our Nature Explorer sessions we want children to grow in their appreciation and curiosity of the amazing world around them. We want them to learn about nature; through nature and in nature.

Nursery staff build on the children’s interests and use their questions and ideas to shape each session. What may start off as an exciting walk stomping down muddy tracks and splashing in puddles may turn into a natural art session, painting with sticks and mud. We never quite know where these sessions will end up, which makes it just as exciting for the staff as it does for the children.

What we do know for sure is that each session is bursting with learning opportunities. Observations of children during Nature Explorers have shown that they:

• Grow in their confidence and self-esteem.
• Develop their language and communication skills.
• Ask lots of questions and engage in critical thinking and problem-solving together.
• Carefully observe the natural world and begin to spot patterns and change.
• Develop an appreciation of the world around them and learn how to look after it better.
• Have fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do these sessions happen?

We are extremely fortunate to have an ever-evolving area of our nursery grounds dedicated to Nature Explorer sessions. We also have access to the fantastic 'forest school' area on the Tor Bridge campus. These two spaces provide a fabulous natural resource with a range of different aspects to explore.   

What do children need to bring?

The only thing your child will need to bring into take part in a Nature Explorer session is a pair of welly boots. We will provide everything else that they need.

When will these sessions happen?

Every child will have opportunities to take part in Nature Explorer sessions during their time at Plym Brigde. These happen at different points in the year, and we will let you know when your child is going so that you can ask them about their adventures. We go in all different types of weather, unless it is unsafe to do so. 

Can I join in?

Throughout the year we run some special events where parents and carers are invited to come along and join in the fun. Look out for more information on our FAMly app.