Little Squirrels Forest School Surrey
Develop a lifelong love of the outdoors and learn through play in our beautiful woodland areas.
Little Squirrels are 2 hour parent or carer and toddler sessions, inclusive, for children aged 18 months to 4 years.
From 9.45am to 11.45am.
Hot water is provided for adults in need of a tea top-up.
Our Little Squirrels forest school sessions run at two of our centres:
Thames Young Mariners, near Richmond
Monday, Thursday and Friday forest school session from 9.45am to 11.45am
Tuesday sessions will be back from 7 January 2025.
High Ashurst, near Dorking, Surrey
Monday morning forest school session from 9.45am to 11.45am
Friday sessions starting at High Ashurst from 10th January 2025
Bookings
Online only bookings. Choose below the centre where you would like to make a booking.
More information
Scroll down for more information and FAQs.
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Little Squirrels at Thames Young Mariners
Forest School is at Thames Young Mariners. Come and discover a beautiful nature area with your child and have lots of fun too. Booking essential.
Little Squirrels at High Ashurst
Forest School is at our High Ashurst! Come and discover a beautiful nature area with your child and have lots of fun too. Booking essential.
Forest school locations
Thames Young Mariners and High Ashurst Forest Schools
Directions to Thames Young Mariners in Ham, Richmond Upon Thames
Directions to High Ashurst in Mickleham, near Dorking and Reigate
Price
We have individual or block booking sessions.
Individual sessions £18.
Half termly block booking will work out at £14 per session (school half term block).
All the bookings need to be made online.
Claim your half price Little Squirrel trial session - available from Monday 18 November at 4pm
For new customers only and subject to availability. Once form is submitted, you will be advised what dates are available to book your trial.
Complete this form for a Little Squirrel trial session at Thames Young Mariners or High Ashurst
Sessions and centres information
Access to free parking and toilet with changing facilities
Spend time with your little one in our safe and private woodland areas with access to free parking and toilet with changing facilities.
Our sites have permanent shelters, which in addition to the trees, will keep you sheltered on wet days and shady in hot sunshine.
Forest School instructors
All our Little Squirrels sessions are provided by qualified, and DBS checked Forest School Leaders or Educators.
At Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) all our staff are highly experienced and motivated outdoor instructors trained to work with all ages.
Arts and Crafts
During each session, you and your little one will be invited to join in with a making or craft activity using a range of tools and natural materials. Enjoy the delights each season brings and take home something special every week.
Cooking outdoors
Your toddler will experience the excitement of fire lighting and enjoy hot chocolate and a treat each week. Each half-term block also includes a cooking session over the fire.
Frequently asked questions
Waterproof clothing is recommended all year round to as your child is likely to get wet and muddy during free play.
Expect it to be a bit cooler under the trees.
Remember to look after yourselves as well and wear appropriate warm clothing.
A change of clothing for your little one (just in case) and plenty of snacks will keep you going!
You'd be surprised how quickly little ones settle in and want to join in with activities and routines. Yes it is OK! We let the child choose their own level of participation and the instructors will support you if necessary.
Don't worry, our instructors will be happy to see you whatever time you arrive!
Yes! The youngest new-born we have had in the woods is two days old. A sling is recommended for getting around the site but you can also park pushchairs under the trees. Our instructors will support you to ensure your toddler can participate fully in the session.
Book your little one on so they can join in with the whole session with the support of our instructors.
Yes! If you want your second child to be included in the hellos, activities, fire routines and treats, you will need to book them onto the session.
Yes! However, we respectfully ask you to only take photos of your own children in the woods. You can share your pictures with our Little Squirrels community in our private Facebook Group.
You can join our Facebook Group here too.
We also ask that you limit your mobile phone use to be able to enjoy each moment with your little one.