About us

A warm welcome from Sam!

I set up My Little Explorers Forest School in 2013, following many years working in Early Years and seeing the benefits that the great outdoors and Forest School has to offer. Now, over a decade later My Little Explorers operates as a family-run business offering Forest School across Romsey and Winchester, Hampshire.

Children of all ages can enjoy being in nature. Babies benefit from the rich sensory experiences of the outdoors and older children love the freedom to play, explore and take risks, building their confidence and self-esteem.

Out in the woods, our older children can build dens and climb trees, we teach them new skills using tools and campfire cooking is all part of our daily life. We are passionate about children’s learning, we listen and let them lead, and we learn from them, supporting their natural curiosity and enhancing their hands-on understanding of the environment around them. The Forest School ethos supports our children to develop their social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills.
 
I opened our Nature Kindergarten in 2013 based in woodlands at Farley Mount just outside Winchester, here we offer childcare to children aged 2-5 years, term-time only. With 20 acres of magical woodland to explore children have the freedom and space to be children, to run and hide, climb and balance. We build dens and light fires and support children in their natural curiosity and hands-on understanding of the natural world.

The children and Forest School ethos inspired me to open our Forest Nursery in 2022 and with support from Broadlands Estate in Romsey, this is a dream come true! We now also offer a setting for ages 6 months up to 5 years, open 8 am-6 pm, 51 weeks per year. A place where children can just be children, play in the meadow, walk in the woods and be cosy in the winter. A place where staff are kind and nurturing, passionate about outdoor learning, the environment, and our Forest School ethos.
 
Our activity camps were one of MLE’s first ventures. Providing a safe and supportive environment for children to explore nature, learn new skills and have fun. Held across 3 sites; Farley Mount, Toothill and Ampfield Woods, we offer a diverse range of engaging activities such as bushcraft skills, campfire activities and risky play. Held during half-terms, Easter and summer holidays, we welcome primary-aged children from 4 to 12 years old.
 
Mini Explorers is a 2-hour stay-and-play group for families at our Farley Mount location every Friday morning running each term. It's a great opportunity for children to explore and engage with the natural environment and is a wonderful introduction to Forest School activities. There is no age limit to this group, so bring your little explorer along for a fun and exciting morning!
 
At My Little Explorers, we don’t just go outside, we are outside!

Where would you like to explore?

Farley Mount, Winchester