School Readiness Is About More Than Reading and Writing
As September approaches, many parents begin wondering whether their child is ready for nursery, pre-school or primary school. Can they recognise their name? Should they know their letters? Can they count to ten? Do they need to be able to write before they begin? It is completely understandable to have these questions. Starting a new […]
Why Children Need More Time to Play Freely Outdoors
Childhood should be filled with opportunities to explore, imagine, create and play. Yet family life can be busy. Between nursery, school, organised activities, appointments and screens, children do not always have as much time as they need for simple, child-led play. National Playday takes place across the UK on Wednesday 5 August 2026, providing the […]
Why Outdoor Learning Should Be Part of Every Child’s Education
Could regular outdoor learning soon become part of every child’s school week? A new Outdoor Education Bill introduced in Parliament on 7 July 2026 has sparked an important national conversation about how much time children spend learning, playing and exploring outside. The proposed Bill calls for children in primary and secondary education to spend at […]
Why Childhood Needs More Trees and Fewer Screens
A Reflection from A Touch of the Wild At A Touch of the Wild, we spend our days watching children do what children have evolved to do for thousands of years: climb trees, build dens, splash in puddles, create imaginary worlds and form friendships through real-life adventures. It’s a childhood filled with mud, laughter, risk-taking, […]
From Busy Lives to Woodland Calm: Reflecting on Our First Woodland Reset Morning
There’s something beautiful about watching a group of strangers arrive in the woods with busy minds and leave a few hours later feeling lighter, calmer and more connected. On Saturday, we welcomed the first participants to our Woodland Reset Morning at Grammarcombe Woods, and it was everything we hoped it would be. The morning wasn’t […]
Summer Solstice Gathering in Exeter: A Morning to Slow Down, Create & Reconnect in Nature
Life can feel busy, noisy and constantly demanding. Between work, family life, endless notifications and never-ending to-do lists, finding a moment to simply pause can feel impossible. That’s exactly why we’ve created our Summer Solstice Gathering, a gentle woodland experience designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature, creativity and yourself. […]
Easy Wild Nettle Soup: A Simple Spring Foraging Recipe
Spring is one of the best times to start cooking with wild foods, and nettles are often one of the easiest plants to find. Although they are usually avoided because of their sting, young nettles are packed with goodness and make a delicious seasonal ingredient once cooked. This easy wild nettle soup is simple, warming […]
What Makes Wild Tots So Special? A Parent’s Guide to Our Woodland Sessions
If you’ve ever wondered what happens at Wild Tots, you’re not alone. Many parents join us for the first time unsure of what to expect and quickly discover that woodland sessions become the highlight of their week. Wild Tots is more than a toddler group. It’s a welcoming community where children and grown-ups can slow […]
Why Forest School Helps Children Build Confidence Naturally
Confidence in children doesn’t appear overnight. It grows slowly through exploration, challenge, independence and feeling capable in the world around them. At A Touch of the Wild, we see confidence bloom naturally in woodland environments every single day. Whether it’s climbing a fallen tree, speaking in a group around the campfire or trying something new […]
Recipe of the Month: Wild Garlic & Cheese Muffins
At A Touch of the Wild, our Wild Tots at Home families have been getting wonderfully creative in the kitchen, bringing a little bit of the woodland indoors! This month’s favourite has been these wild garlic and cheese muffins. They’re simple, tasty, and perfect for little hands to help make. Ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or […]