Our Woodland Project

At Cambusbarron Village Nursery, we want children to grow up with a strong connection to nature and their local community. Time in Gillies Hill Community Woodland is already part of everyday nursery life, giving children opportunities to explore, create, build friendships and develop confidence through play.

Our current focus:

We are working towards providing a shelter and suitable toilet facilities at the Sycamore Site within Gillies Hill Community Woodland. These facilities would support longer periods in the woodland, offering somewhere to gather, rest, eat and shelter from the weather.

Developing the site involves design work, fundraising and securing the necessary permissions and approvals. We continue to work with our architect, the landowner and the relevant agencies to progress a practical proposal suited to the woodland environment and the needs of the children and staff.

Woodland life today:

While this work continues, children already spend time in the woodland every nursery day, with arrangements adapted to the weather, woodland conditions and their needs. We regularly enjoy lunch in the woods, with the option to return to the Community Centre when needed.

How the project has developed:

Our proposals have evolved as we have explored designs, costs, funding and the requirements for operating from a woodland base. Earlier studies considered a larger purpose-built nursery building. Our immediate focus is on progressing the shelter and toilet facilities.

We are grateful to Cambusbarron Community Development Trust, our funders, families and wider community for their continuing support. We will share significant developments as the project moves forward.