What can I say, I’m invested. 🤣As a forest school leader I’m always learning, so when the pond has lots of newts in I had to find out more.
So this week we are learning about newts with the children - and it really is fascinating. And luckily, I’m not alone, the children & adults are loving it too.
Some adults have exclaimed that they are the first newts they’ve ever seen - and the children’s reference point is a character from Matilda.
This is the beauty of Wild Things, most (not all) of the sessions are for children but they aren’t just for the kids, the parents come and learn a bit about nature, how to play outside in all weathers, the importance of risky play and the power of nature for relaxation!
Anyway back to newts…I love them and I’m feeling maternally invested to make our wildlife pond the best it can be for the best generation of newts!!!
I’m still learning so any tips let me know ⬇️
Wild Things
Stay Wild–a Facebook Group for FREE outdoor ideas. Join: facebook.com/groups/staywildnatureplay Each session is an hour & half long.
Wild Things Family Forest School is a weekly forest school for parents and their children. A forest school gives children the chance to play and learn in an outdoor environment. The children will learn to take manageable risks, experience outdoors in all weather, and initiate learning. Wild Things forest school will encourage children to love being outdoors. This will be done by allowing children:
Something a little different is coming to Wild Things this week…
Older & Wilder is a club just for adults.
For the ones who love a campfire. For the ones who’ve been meaning to slow down and get outside. For the curious, the crafty, the quietly burnt out — and everyone in between.
Whether you’re drawn by the fire, the making, the fresh air, or just the idea of meeting your kind of people… there’s a seat around our fire for you.
Join us this Thursday at 6.30pm for our very first evening meet. 🌙
DM WILDER or drop a comment below for more info, or head to the link in bio to find out more.
08/04/2026
I can tell you how brilliant the after school club is but it’s always better to hear from families who came last term. So swipe across to hear some of the feedback.
Sessions restart on 13th April | 3.30-5pm | Wild Things site, York
If you would like more info please visit our website, message in the comments below or DM me.
30/03/2026
🌿 Introducing Mini Explorers — our new Friday baby group!
A calm, gentle hour in nature for you and your little one. We’re talking sensory play, nature treasures, group songs, tummy time under the trees… and the chance to meet other families who love the outdoors as much as you do.
Good for them. Good for you. And it’s never too early to start.
📅 Fridays | 1.15–2.15pm | £10 per session
Spaces are limited — link in bio, visit website or DM to book yours. 🍂
26/03/2026
Our first ever evening event is here 🌿🔥
Older & Wilder Club — an outdoor club just for adults. No kids. No bedtime chaos. Just you, the fire, and good company.
Thursday 16th April, 6.30–8pm
Here’s what’s happening:
🍃 Hapa Zome (aka leaf bashing — it’s as satisfying as it sounds)
🔥 Campfire with camembert cheesy s’mores
☕ Hot drinks in the woods at dusk
Come tired. Come stressed. Come on your own or bring a friend. Leave feeling like yourself again. 🌙
💬 Comment WILDER for the booking link, or head to the link in bio / www.wildthingsyork.co.uk
09/12/2025
Christmas is often about what we receive — but it’s also a great time to pause and think about others.
After reading the story, Night Tree we talked about how we can help our woodland friends. We then prepared a winter feast for them.
Apples strung on wire, pine cones stuffed with lard, and peanut butter dipped in bird seed became our Christmas gift to the creatures who call this woodland home.
When children are given space to think beyond themselves, they grow empathy, gratitude, and a deeper connection to nature — lessons that last far longer than the festive season.
07/12/2025
A really lovely session with plenty of time for child-led play, some Christmas crafts, a campfire and tasty treats.
The morning session is for families with children aged 2–4 (older siblings welcome), and the afternoon session is for children aged 4–11.
If you’d like to book, just send us a DM for the booking link.
07/12/2025
If you’re trying to avoid adding another toy to the pile this year, a Wild Things gift voucher could be a lovely alternative 🌿
Perfect for families in the York area. They make a thoughtful gift from grandparents, friends or relatives who want to give something a bit different.
Gift vouchers are available in £10, £20, £30 (and other amounts). You can buy online, then message me and I’ll send you a nice printed gift voucher to give on the day.
DM me for the link 💚
16/11/2025
Over on my Substack (I know 🙄) I’ve given some tips on how to dress for outdoor play - we start with base layers and end with footwear! There’s tips on what fabric to look out for, and which to avoid. Clickable links to different options, and how to fill in the little nooks & gaps around the neck & head! And if you are a family who comes to Wild Things don’t forget we have a eco store where we have lots of donated clothing so you can have a rummage and see if there’s anything suitable before investing! To read click on the link in my bio or in my stories. I’d love to hear your recommendations too so please do share below ⬇️
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Location
Category
Contact the school
Telephone
Website
Address
Wooded Area In The Grounds Of Millthorpe School
York
YO231WF
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:15am - 11:30am |
| Wednesday | 10:15am - 11:30am |
| Friday | 10:15am - 11:30am |