Join us for lots of fun and child-led adventure in our wonderful woodland playground.
Every child can be themselves at Saplings, free to safely explore where their curiosity leads. The short walk to Beech Camp begins the adventure as old hands and new visitors alike begin the excited chatter about what might be in store.
Up the hill, through the trees and around the giant beech, brings little legs and eager hands to our main camp in all its woodland wonder.
Saplings follows the Forest School ethos where your child is empowered to lead their play and develop their unique interests along with their confidence and an appreciation of the natural world. Each week a diverse and creative range of nature based activities, crafts and games are available to enjoy as their mood takes them. There are firm favourites too that always remain; the mud kitchen, wooden xylophone, nature’s climbing frame and of course the heart of our camp, the fire.
Saplings is enjoyed year round whatever the weather, fostering a positive can do attitude to everything life may throw at us, and helping one and all appreciate the beauty and wonder to be found in every season.
Gaining confidence, learning new skills, kindling fires and friendships, all these things happen naturally for every child at Saplings at a pace that is natural and fun. It’s your weekly sanctuary where you can reconnect, recharge and enjoy your child happy at play, making magical memories of childhood to last a lifetime.
Dates & Timings
Fridays
9-10.30am & 11am-12.30pm
We run all year round. During the school holidays older siblings are welcome to join in the fun too, please just add them to your booking.
To check availability click the ‘Book Now’ button and scroll through the calendar.
Other Useful Information
Your booking confirmation email will contain a link to a short film, explaining what to expect and how to keep safe. Please ensure that you watch it with your tribe before your visit/s.
The group is aimed at 1-5 year olds, but if you feel that your child is ready before they turn one, then please do come sooner! Infant siblings are welcome in slings/carrier and ‘off road’ pushchairs.
A participating adult from each family must remain with the group. There is a maximum supervision ratio of one adult to three children.
Coffee and teas are provided for adults plus hot chocolate for the little ones. Please bring re-usable cups with lids for hot drinks and a snack to share if you can too! These can be placed on the drinks table. If your little one has any dietary requirements then please monitor them closely when choosing snacks, or avoid sharing altogether.
You’ll find a map and directions here, or just look for ‘Hidden Woods’ on Google Maps.
There is no minimum commitment! Book for a single or multiple sessions at a time, it’s up to you. See our FAQs page for additional info.
You can find out more about our Saplings sessions by watching our short introductory video.
Session Prices
1st Child:
£11.50 per session
Additional Siblings:
£6 per session*
No charge for accompanying adults (one per booking where possible please)
*For siblings from the same family. If booking for friends too, you can add more than one ‘1st Child’ to your booking. We do not charge for infant siblings in slings/pushchairs, but as soon as your little one is toddling please do book their place in the normal way.
We want our sessions to be accessible as possible. If the price is an obstacle to you joining us, then please get in touch to find out about our concessions.
Location
Hidden Woods is located in a beautiful 80 acre broadleaf woodland called Farleigh Wood, accessed directly off the A36 near Farleigh Hungerford (BA2 7NH)
“We went to the Hidden Woods session for the first time yesterday, it was a magical experience. My daughter and I had the best time, so much to do and explore. Barney the leader is great, he made us feel so welcome. We will definitely be back for more forest fun times. Thank you Barney”
“What a lovely day for both of us. I took my 15 month old grandson yesterday for his first visit- and there’ll be many more to come. He had a great time mingling with other older children.. making mud dinners, playing in the nets and lots more. The singalong and snack time around the fire to round the morning off with everybody was lovely. Thank you Barney… and all the adults and children for making my grandson have a fabulous couple of hours!”