Forest Play
Learn, Develop & Grow with Nature
Forest Play is a woodland stay and play for parents/carers, babies, toddlers and young children, running at Hazel Wood, on Tuesday mornings.
We welcome all families including home educating and flexi-schooling families, Grandparents, childminders, nannies, foster carers and other carers.
Forest Play is Back for 2026
Our popular stay and play group will re-commence at Hazel Wood near Mitcheldean starting 21st April 2026. These sessions will take place every Tuesday from 9:30AM to 11:30AM.
About Forest Play
Forest Play is based in fenced, ancient woodland. It is a fully outdoor group for Parents/carers, babies & children. In 2026 Forest Play will be run by Helen, qualified primary teacher and early years specialist.
Our activities are accessible for children to choose when they wish, and include sensory play, crafts, mud kitchen and outdoor play. We have 2 short adult-led circle times. The first at the beginning of the session for introductions, a quick word about what is on offer that day, and any important safety points. We finish the session with a circle time with a story and some songs. Children are not required to join the circle times if they are not able to sit or find being together in the group difficult.
We don't have a "snack time". Please feel free to follow your child's needs throughout the session and give them a snack when they need it. We find children are hungry when playing outdoors in the fresh air, so bring plenty of their favourite snacks. We have cups for children to use and water available. Please bring your child's sippy cup if this is what they use. Hot drinks available for parents /carers.
Parents have been telling us how much their child loves Forest Play and is excited about going to our sessions. They have also seen leaps in their children's physical, social and emotional development, and new speech. Parents also find being outdoors in nature and meeting other parents is really beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being, and that they are a calmer and more present parent as a result.
Time & Day
Forest Play runs at Hazel Wood, Jubilee Drive, Mitcheldean, on Tuesday mornings 9:30am-11:30am. Mitcheldean.
See our sites page for more information about our sites.
Booking
Booking is through our website in either a half term block, a 4 week block, or you can book a taster on any week we are open or use this to book one week at a time. A block booking is more cost effective, as it reduces our website booking and transaction fees. If you would like to book a block part-way though a half term, please email us and we will send you a discount code for the weeks already past. Please book a place for each child attending. Adults are included in the price and do not need a separate booking. Forest Play gets busy in the warmer months, so we advise booking early. Please note, the taster booking will be closed if the block booking spaces fill up.
You can buy Forest Play as a gift, with our Gift Voucher. If you would like to join us, but are not able to afford to book, please see our bursary page to see whether we currently have subsidised places available for families on low incomes.
Please subscribe to our mailing list (at the bottom of the page) to be the first to hear when booking for a new half term opens and to find out about what else we are doing.
If you have any queries, please email us on info@harecic.co.uk or WhatsApp Charlie on 07761164352.
More info below
Ages & Needs
"HARE forest school sessions are brilliant! My daughter has grown so much in confidence as well as developing social and physical skills. She absolutely loves the sessions. There are no other groups like it. It's a wonderful, child led introduction to the outdoors that will no doubt foster a lifelong love of nature."
Gemma, Mum of 2 year old.
Babies & Adults
We have a cosy baby area within the log circle to prevent older children running near babies that are sitting or lying.
Come and meet like-minded parents. We have hot drinks for the adults, including real coffee. We normally have a choice of milks (cows or oat) in our cool box. Please bring a travel mug with secure lid if you have one.
We don't charge for young babies who are not yet standing/walking and able to access the play activities. Please use the discount code FPUNDERONE100 for a 100% discount at the checkout for young babies. If you would like to book a one off taster, use the code TASTERUNDERONE100.
Toddlers
Our sessions are play-based and child-led, with activities such as sensory play, water play, mud kitchen play, potion making, play dough, painting, natural crafts, exploring the woods, nature ID and scavenger hunts.
Children
If your child is older than the advertised age range and you feel they would benefit from attending a group with a parent or carer, they are very welcome and we are happy to accommodate a range of needs, which works well in the woodland environment.
