Wellies in the Woods
All children deserve the chance to play, explore and thrive in safe outdoor spaces — no matter where they live. Yet many families face real barriers to outdoor play, with some areas having 900 children per playground.
Groundwork’s Wellies in the Woods brings outdoor play and learning to young children and their families in communities in need of extra provision across the UK. Through storybook-inspired sessions in local parks, woods and outdoor spaces, the programme helps children to build their confidence, improve early development and form a lasting connection and appreciation with nature, alongside improving literacy skills and encouraging reading.
What is Wellies in the Woods?
According to research, only 27% of children regularly play outside near their homes.
Wellies in the Woods aims to inspire families to connect with nature on their doorsteps, engaging with outdoor play by demonstrating low-to no-cost activities which families can do at home. These activities take place in green spaces, with a core focus on stories and books to support children’s development, whilst significantly improving health and wellbeing.
Working in conjunction with child and family centres and other early years settings, the programme supports families to enjoy spending time together engaging in play activities and helps parents and guardians to embrace outdoor play – using a wide range of different activities and proving lots of different ideas that can be replicated in any green space.
By bringing beloved storybooks to life in the great outdoors, Wellies in the Woods creates a safe space where families can connect, learn, and grow together in learning sessions designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
Families come to us knowing that literacy and outdoor learning are important, but this course shows them just how easy and how accessible it is and how to make outdoor play easy, uncomplicated and fun.
Hannah Smith, Team Manager and Wellies in the Woods Facilitator, Groundwork East
What happens at a Wellies in the Woods session?
Wellies in the Woods courses run for eight weeks and focuses on a popular children’s book – including popular favourites such as The Gruffalo and Stick Man.
Each session consists of a set routine, which includes story time, activities and a healthy snack for the children, which enables pre-school children to grow, learn and get ‘school ready’ in a safe environment with their families.
You can find out more about Wellies in the Woods sessions by watching our film:
Find your local session
Use the map to find out more about local delivery. If you have a question, please contact: contracts@groundwork.org.uk
Groundwork is working alongside the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust to support delivery in Scotland.
Can’t get to a Wellies in the Woods session?
See the below links to fun, outdoor, nature-based activities you can do at home in all seasons, whatever the weather!