Mud Pies

07/09/2026

We've been having a lot of squishy fun in the woods recently!

There are loads of brambles out at the moment and beyond eating far too many we've been making paint with them. It's really easy:

- collect about 20 ripe brambles
- cut a piece of cotton (an old sheet or pillow case is perfect) with pinking shears into any size. A4 is good.
- create a pattern using masking or sellotape, pressing it down well: your initial, age, name, a pattern.....
- take 1 berry at a time and get squishing, until you've covered your design.
- wipe the excess berries off the material and when dry, peel off the tape.

I've known people to frame their creations - such a lovely memento of good times in the wood. Give it a go! Mandy T

31/08/2026

Following on from my last post, here are 6 wild flower seeds for you to collect this week. The best place to look for them are in those areas that often the councils or local community groups plant up, often on verges or in parks - those nice, bright patches of flowers. Whilst it's illegal to remove entire plants it's absolutely fine to collect their seeds and it's really fun!
Head out with your tot on a fine day this week, taking with you some little containers to collect the seeds - children love doing this. Back at home, plant the seeds in the next week or two, leaving the pots outside - most wild flowers need cold periods over winter to germinate.
Happy collecting and planting! Mandy T xx

31/08/2026

Here's a useful update from our local and fab NCT group. Join their classes and grab a bargain at their nearly new sale!

29/08/2026

Head to Seaton Park on Saturday 5 September for lots of environmental fun. A great way to get tots switched in to nature and speak to some really interesting specialists too. See you there! Mandy Tulloch

The third annual Envirolution Aberdeen event will take place at Seaton Park on Saturday 5 September. The environmental festival features workshops, talks, performances, and stalls, all aimed at inspiring positive climate and nature action. For more information visit: https://orlo.uk/OcHHa

27/08/2026

We had fun this week at Mud Pies looking for and collecting wild flower seeds. There are loads out at this time of year. I'll be back in a few days with some more for you to look out for. Children of all ages, even under 2s, love collecting them. It's such a great way to slow down and connect with nature! Xx

24/08/2026

Aberdeen City Primary Teachers!!!! Here's a FREE outdoor learning event for you on Thursday 1 October, run at the lovely The James Hutton Institute. Scan the QR code to book. See you there! Mandy.

19/08/2026

Here's a sneak of what we get up to every Monday in the woods at Mud Pies. There are swings, sometimes baby animals, hills to climb, rocks to jump off, snack to eat and much, much more..... Come join us!

17/08/2026

Anyone in Aberdeenshire interested in helping the Wildlife Explorers Youth Group for 8 to 12 year olds? Would be a great way to inspire more kids to love nature. You don't need to be an expert but just have an interest in being curious!

Want to make a difference to children and nature?💪 The RSPB Aberdeenshire Wildlife Explorers Youth Group is looking for a volunteer leader that can help us in the delivery of our monthly sessions for children between 8 - 12 yrs. Sound interesting? You can get more info at the link below or message us for a chat. https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/121730-youth-group-main-leader-youth-group-leader-aberdeenshire-wildlife-explorer-group-2026-08-18

16/08/2026

Wishing everyone going back to nursery, on to P1 or back to school a great first week this week as we all return to some kind of routine! Tissues will be at the ready as there's such a mix of emotions as children take their next steps in life ❤. I'm going to miss those going into P1 but know with certainty that they'll be teaching their class and teacher a thing or two about nature, which I love.
Things are changing in my house too. These two "babies" who helped me start Mud Pies back in 2009 are now all grown up and leaving home. They weren't actually the most outdoorsy kids at all but luckily have found their own ways to enjoy nature - don't think I would have allowed it any other way. I'll miss them this term!
Thankfully there are still lots of tots out there who love being outside so I'll still have little friends to go out on adventures with this autumn - phew.
Happy shoe shopping everyone! 🍎📚📚🎒🎒✏️✏️✏️❤🚌🚌🚸🚸

15/08/2026

Here's a great plant sale for all budding young gardeners. Next Saturday morning at Gairn Terrance Community Garden!

The annual ADA plant sale is approaching! Don't miss this wonderful fundraising event, stocked with both indoor and outdoor plants 🌱 we hope to see you there!