Please reach us at hello@barkhollow.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We want your child to have the best experience, no matter the weather! Here's a list of what to bring:
Water bottle – Staying hydrated is essential. We ensure children have regular access to drinks.
Spare clothing – A full change of clothes (including socks and trousers), as children often get wet or muddy.
Hat and gloves – Weather-dependent. Warm hat and gloves in colder months, or a sun hat for sunny days.
Coats
Spring: Light waterproof jacket
Summer: Light, breathable jacket
Autumn & Winter: Waterproof outerwear is essential
Footwear – Wellies or waterproof boots for wet conditions. Sturdy shoes or trainers for drier days (no open-toe sandals).
Layered clothing – Helps regulate body temperature in changing weather.
Plastic/wet bag – To store muddy or wet clothes at the end of the day.
Towel or flannel – Great for quick cleanups.
Packed lunch and snacks – If you've chosen to bring your own. Otherwise, we provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily snacks, with healthy snacks always available.
Nappies and wipes – If you're providing your own.
Sun cream – Please apply before the session on sunny days and pack extra if needed.
Insect repellent – Optional for warmer months.
Medication – Please inform us in advance and bring any necessary items.
Waterproofs:
Children will need waterproof clothing to stay dry and comfortable during outdoor activities in all weather. You can either provide your own, or we can supply the necessary waterproofs for an additional charge. Having the right gear helps ensure your child stays warm, dry, and happy throughout the year.
Food:
We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day to keep everyone fuelled and happy. This is offered at a small additional cost.
If you would prefer your child to bring their own packed lunch and snacks, that's absolutely fine and you won’t be charged the food contribution.
Nappies:
We can supply nappies and wipes for a small fee. If you prefer, you’re welcome to provide your own.
Every day is an opportunity to get outside, explore, and connect with nature. We ensure that children are well-equipped for all conditions, with waterproofs, warm layers, and suitable outdoor clothing, so they can play safely and comfortably whatever the weather.
Of course, we know that British weather doesn't always cooperate! When outdoor play isn’t possible, we bring the spirit of adventure indoors. Our indoor space is thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural world, offering a range of engaging activities including crafts, messy play, soft play, and more.
Rain or shine, the fun never stops at Bark Hollow!
At Bark Hollow, we ensure that every child is warm, dry, and comfortable during their outdoor adventures whatever the weather may bring. Proper clothing and gear are essential for safe and enjoyable play, and we ask that all children arrive prepared with the following:
Waterproof Clothing – Essential for staying dry during outdoor play. We’ll provide a full kit list to all families to help you prepare.
Wellies or Waterproof Boots – Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear is a must for muddy trails and wet conditions. Please ensure boots are comfortable and up to the challenge of active exploration.
Layered Clothing – Layers help children stay warm and adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. Comfortable, breathable, and easy-to-remove layers work best.
Hats and Gloves – Warm hats and gloves for chilly days, and sun hats for hot, sunny weather are important to protect children from the elements.
We know that sometimes the weather can get a little too wild! When children need a break from the cold or rain, our spacious indoor area offers a cosy retreat. Here, they can warm up, relax, and continue playing in a nurturing environment. We also provide warm drinks to keep everyone snug on colder days.
With the right gear and the freedom to move between outdoor and indoor spaces, children at Bark Hollow can embrace every adventure rain, shine, or snow with joy and confidence.
At Bark Hollow, we know that nourishing food is key to keeping children energised, happy, and ready for adventure. That’s why we provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day, all thoughtfully prepared with children’s wellbeing in mind.
If your child has any dietary preferences, allergies, or specific requirements, please let us know when booking our team is more than happy to accommodate individual needs.
To help families plan ahead, we share fortnightly meal planners with details of the meals we’ll be serving in the upcoming weeks, so you always know what your child will be enjoying.
Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day, and on colder days, we also offer warm drinks to help keep them cosy and comfortable.
There is a small contribution towards the cost of food provided at the setting. If you prefer to supply your own meals or snacks, that’s absolutely fine just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We believe mealtimes should be a meaningful part of the day, so we often alternate between indoor and outdoor dining, making use of our beautiful surroundings and creating a variety of experiences.
We’re especially proud of our on-site fruit and vegetable garden, which the children will help to care for and harvest. The produce they grow will be incorporated into our meals, providing hands-on learning about healthy eating, sustainability, and where food comes from.
All our meals are prepared with care, and we follow national nutritional guidance to ensure we’re offering balanced, wholesome options that support children’s development and wellbeing.
At Bark Hollow, we understand how important it is for children to have the chance to rest and recharge during their busy day of exploration and play.
We provide a cosy indoor space specially designed for rest and napping a warm, calm, and peaceful environment where children can unwind in comfort. Whether it’s a short rest or a longer nap, we ensure every child feels secure and relaxed.
For those who prefer to remain close to nature, we also offer sheltered outdoor spaces where children can enjoy quiet time or even nap outside while still immersed in the natural surroundings.
Whether indoors or outdoors, we take great care to ensure that children are warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. Well rested children are happier, healthier, and ready to continue their day with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure.
At Bark Hollow, your child’s safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. We maintain a safe child-to-adult ratio, in line with best practices for forest school settings and registered childminders. This ensures that every child receives individual attention, guidance, and support throughout their day with us.
Our experienced and caring team is always on hand to create a nurturing environment where children feel secure, confident, and free to explore.
Each day at Bark Hollow is a new adventure full of discovery, creativity, and the joy of the great outdoors. Our flexible daily rhythm follows the children’s natural curiosity while ensuring time for nourishment, rest, and meaningful connection.
We follow the children’s lead while providing structure through enriching, nature-based experiences. Here’s a snapshot of what a typical day looks like:
Morning Welcome & Breakfast
Children are warmly welcomed as they arrive and settle in. We begin our day in our cosy indoor space with a nutritious breakfast, giving everyone time to connect and prepare for the adventures ahead.
We talk about the day’s weather, notice seasonal changes, and introduce any themes or activities for the day.
Outdoor Exploration
Once everyone is ready, we head outside! Whether it’s a woodland walk, mud kitchen magic, den building, or bird spotting, children dive into hands-on nature play.
Our forest setting is thoughtfully arranged into zones, including:
Creative Zones – for art, role play, and imagination
Nature Zones – for wildlife watching, foraging, and sensory discovery
Practical Zones – for fire pit cooking, tool use, and outdoor skills
Sensory Zones – exploring textures, sounds, and natural materials
Relaxing Zones – with hammocks, shelters, and space to build dens
Exploration Zones – for free play and guided adventure
These zones inspire independence, teamwork, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Mid-Morning Snack & Reflection
We pause mid-morning for a healthy snack and a moment to reflect. This gives children time to recharge and reconnect before continuing their explorations.
Nature-Based Learning & Activities
Guided by the children’s interests and our forest school approach, the day might include:
Wild crafts and seasonal projects
Climbing and physical play
Storytelling and imaginative games
Creative and collaborative challenges
Every experience supports key developmental skills like communication, resilience, self-expression, and problem-solving.
Lunch & Rest Time
Lunch is enjoyed either outdoors or in our cosy indoor space, depending on the weather. After lunch, children have time to rest or nap some settle down for a sleep, while others choose quiet activities like reading or imaginative play.
Afternoon Adventures
The afternoon brings more opportunities to explore. Children may:
Tend to the fruit and vegetable garden
Engage in messy play, water exploration, or sensory activities
Take part in ongoing group projects or seasonal themes
Closing Circle & Home Time
As the day winds down, we gather for a peaceful closing circle, where children share highlights from their day and reflect on what they’ve learned.
When families arrive, children are full of stories tired, happy, and fulfilled from a day spent learning and growing through nature.
If your child requires medication (e.g., for allergies, asthma, etc.), please inform us in advance and provide written instructions. We will ensure that the medication is kept safely and administered according to guidelines.
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. All activities at Bark Hollow are fully supervised by our experienced and trained Forest Leaders, who are committed to creating a secure and supportive environment for all children.
Every team member on-site has completed Outdoor First Aid training and is fully equipped to handle emergencies. In the event of an accident, injury, or medical concern, we will contact you immediately and follow our clear and established health and safety procedures.
We maintain a safe environment by:
Ensuring all tools and equipment are safely stored and locked away when not in use
Teaching and supervising the safe use of tools during practical sessions
Conducting regular risk assessments and site checks to keep our woodland space safe and well-maintained
Children are always guided and supported in managing risk responsibly, helping them to build confidence, resilience, and awareness of their surroundings.
Your child’s safety, both physical and emotional, is central to everything we do.
At Bark Hollow, we follow the Forest School ethos, placing a strong focus on emotional development, self-regulation, social skills, confidence, and independence. We believe that meaningful learning happens when children are free to explore, discover, and grow through hands-on experiences in the natural world.
Children are encouraged to connect with nature at their own pace through a wide variety of activities, such as:
Building dens and imaginative shelters
Outdoor cooking and fire pit safety
Creative nature crafts
Tool use and practical woodland skills
Group games and storytelling
These experiences help children develop essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. By engaging with real-life challenges in a safe and supportive space, children learn to take appropriate risks, build independence, and grow into capable, curious learners.
In addition to our nature-based approach, we also follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to ensure each child’s developmental needs are met holistically. This balance of child-led exploration and structured guidance supports well-rounded growth across all areas of learning.
Absolutely we warmly encourage families to visit Bark Hollow, meet our team, and experience the woodland environment first-hand before making a decision.
Seeing our space in action is the best way to understand what makes Bark Hollow special. You’ll get to explore the site, ask any questions, and see how we nurture adventure, creativity, and growth through nature.
To arrange a visit, please contact us directly we’d be delighted to welcome you.
We believe that open, regular communication with families is key to your child’s happy and successful experience at Bark Hollow.
To keep you fully informed, we use:
A private Facebook group for updates and community sharing
WhatsApp for quick, direct messages and group chats
Direct communication from staff about your child’s progress and special activities
You’ll receive regular updates on your child’s development, milestones, and the exciting projects they’re involved in.
We also share highlights of the fun and learning on our Instagram page but to respect your child’s privacy, no children’s faces are shown. Our social media focuses on the activities and the wonderful outdoor environment we create together.
Forest School Childminding:
We cater to children aged 3 months to school age, providing a nurturing, outdoor-focused environment that supports their emotional, social, and physical development.
Holiday Club:
Our Holiday Club welcomes children aged 4 to 14 years, offering tailored activities for different age groups. We encourage outdoor fun, exploration, and hands-on learning throughout the holidays.
If your child is unwell or unable to attend for any reason, please notify us as early as possible. We understand that plans can change and aim to be as flexible as we can.
However, please review our attendance policy for details on terms and conditions.