Wildlings Forest Kindergarten - A Touch of the Wild

Where Curiosity Grows Wild

A full-time forest school experience for 2.5 - 5-year-olds in Devon, full of freedom, fun and natural learning.

About Wildlings

A Nature-Based Alternative to Nursery

Wildlings Forest Kindergarten offers a nurturing, outdoor alternative to nursery, where every day is an adventure in our private forest setting near Exeter.

Our team includes fully trained early years practitioners alongside experienced forest school leaders,ensuring your child receives expert guidance, nurturing care, and inspiring outdoor learning every session.

Our child-led approach inspires confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for nature.

Meet the Wildlings Team

Qualified, caring early years educators in the heart of the forest

Rachel

Claire

Annie

Hannah

Melinda

Bea

Sam

Why Families Choose Wildlings

Outdoor Play, Every Day

100% forest-based learning in our private woodland, where the natural world becomes the classroom.

Creative Arts & Crafts

Children explore textures, colours and imagination using natural materials gathered from the woodland.

Stories & Songs by the Fire

Daily opportunities for storytelling, singing and sharing in a calm, supportive circle.

Building Confidence & Resilience

100% forest-based learning in our private woodland, where the natural world becomes the classroom.

Caring, Qualified Staff

Led by experienced early years educators and Forest School leaders who nurture curiosity and wellbeing.

Seasonal Learning

Every term brings new adventures, from bug hunts in spring to leaf crafts in autumn and campfire cooking in winter.

What a Day Looks Like

Every day is different, guided by the seasons and your child’s curiosity, but here’s a glimpse into a typical Wildlings day:

9:00am

Arrival, forest play and settling in

10:00am

Morning circle, stories & snack

Late Morning

Forest exploration, crafts, mud kitchens, and den building

12:30pm

Lunch around the campfire

Afternoon

Free play, seasonal activities, storytelling or nature walks

3:00pm

Goodbye song and pick-up

What to Pack

Please ensure your child brings:

Waterproof coat & trousers
Wellies or sturdy outdoor shoes
Spare clothes (including socks and underwear)
Packed lunch, snack and named water bottle
Warm hat and gloves/sunhat and sunscreen, depending on the season

We’ll take care of the rest, including plenty of warmth, encouragement and lots of snacks cooked on the campfire.

Term Dates

2025 - 2026

Autumn Term: Monday 8th September – Friday 19th
December 2025

Half Term: Monday 27th – Friday 31st October 2025)

Spring Term: Tuesday 6th January – Wednesday 1st
April 2026

Half Term: Thursday 2nd April – Friday 17th April

Summer Term: Monday 20th April – Thursday 23rd
July 2026

Half Term: Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th May

Bank Holidays: Monday 4th May, Monday 25th May

Settling In

We want both you and your child to feel confident and excited.

That’s why we offer a free 30 or 60-minute settling session before your child starts.

They’ll meet the team, explore the forest space, and start feeling at home.

Fees & Funding

A small Outdoor Resource Fund fee applies to all funded children to support our forest facilities and resources.

How to Register

Still Have Questions

We’ve gathered all the most common questions parents ask, from forest school routines to funding, food and what to wear.

Find practical info and answers for all our programmes in one place.

Ready to Explore Forest Kindergarten

We’d love to welcome you and your child to experience the Wildlings way.

What Our Parents Say

"We had a fab party for my son’s birthday party. Flo and Tallum were great host and happy to help/provide things the kiddies were asking for. The place itself is great for any kiddie that loves the outdoors as it gives them lots of learning through play opportunities. Snacks/drinks were readily available throughout the whole party and sausages, marshmallows and hot chocolate were served by the fire. I will definitely be recommending this place to others and will also be using their services again for parties in the future."

“We have loved our first spring term at A Touch of the Wild. Lots of activities for the Wild Tots to get involved in, tree house deck, mud kitchen, swings, chalk play, tuff tray changing activities and weekly cooking activity with some woodland crafts.Both Katy and Kim work great as a team! Thank you for your hard work and always making us feel welcome :)”

“We had a fab party for my son’s birthday party. Flo and Tallum were great host and happy to help/provide things the kiddies were asking for.The place itself is great for any kiddie that loves the outdoors as it gives them lots of learning through play opportunities.Snacks/drinks were readily available throughout the whole party and sausages, marshmallows and hot chocolate were served by the fire.I will definitely be recommending this place to others and will also be using their services again for parties in the future.”