New woodland space for Elgin's Liberty Kids
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AN ELGIN nursery has linked up with a local Scouts pack to provide a place to roam for its youngsters.
Liberty Kids, based on Reidhaven Street, now shares a large enclosed woodland site near the Wards which is rented by Elgin 1st Scouts.
The children play and learn at the site during daytimes from Monday to Wednesday, working in two bubbles, while the Scouts make use of the woods during evenings.
Sam Buchanan, nursery manager at Liberty Kids, approached Elgin 1st Scouts with the space-sharing idea after the nursery acted as a hub throughout lockdown and she began to investigate ways to create more physical room for play.
The Scouts were keen on the community link-up.
Since then Keith-based REAP (Rural Environmental Action Project) has helped out by making vegetable planters with the children, and the nursery is working on a collaboration with the Scouts to plant apple trees and berry bushes.
The nursery opened for its funded sessions and began using the woodland in August, and Sam says the wild space has transformed nursery life.
The nursery's Discoverers Go Wild 3-5 group have been enjoying bug hunts, tyre swings, obstacle courses and tree climbing among many other activities.
Sam said: "It's wonderful for the children and the staff to be out in the natural environment. It's had such a positive, calming effect on the children, boosting their physical and mental wellbeing, which is just great to see.
"It offers a much more free-flowing way of working as the children can lead the play and we work from their ideas and imagination.
"The outdoor learning has been a big change for staff, children and parents. However, if something positive has come from Covid then having the children outdoors is that.
"The impact it has had is wonderful. The children are embracing their natural environment and we are finding such amazing results from being outside.
"Feedback from parents, staff and the community has been lovely.
"We use the woodland area for three full days and have the children use the nursery on the other two, so there is a great balance of learning both indoors and outdoors.
"It's a new adventure for Liberty Kids – and it's been so beneficial for the children and staff that we'll continue this way regardless of the Covid-19 situation."
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