Eastern Perthshire’s first outdoor nursery is set to open next year.
Wild Sparks will operate out of a woodland on Keithick estate, between Coupar Angus and Burrelton.
In addition to the resident deer, buzzards, Scots pine and wild flowers the site will feature a yurt with wood burner and compost toilet. This project has been made possible so far due to a £10,000 grant from Big Lottery’s Investing in Ideas fund, with further funding in the pipeline.
Wild Sparks was founded in 2014 to deliver forest schools projects and holiday activities for school aged children and is run by local mums who themselves have young children.
“The nursery feels like a natural next step for us, said Wild Sparks founder Alice Warren. “We’re really excited about moving into early years and working with the same children year round, to build continuity and witness real change in their development”.
Experienced primary school teacher Jo Andrews will be leaving her current job to run the nursery.
She said: “I am inspired on a daily basis by the way my three boys thrive outdoors; exploring, experimenting and learning about nature. This is something I want this for all children.”
Wild Sparks will be holding an open day on Saturday July 16 for all interested families and community members, visit www.wildsparks.co.uk for more information and to follow the nursery’s progress.
Outdoor nurseries encourage children to engage with nature, rather than playing with modern toys.
One of the first such nurseries in Scotland was the Secret Garden, in Letham in Fife.
