Moray children will soon be able to do their learning amongst the region’s wildlife, with the opening of a new nursery based primarily in the great outdoors.
Outdoor education charities Earthtime and Outfit Moray have worked together to launch the project, which will be run from Duffus Village Hall.
Although the building will act as a central point for learning, organisers estimate that the children who join will spend 85% of their time roaming its surrounding area.
The nursery will be based on the principles of “forest schools”, which means the youngsters, aged two and three, will only venture indoors when forced to by inclement weather.
They will spend the majority of their time around Duffus, but minibus expeditions to local beaches, woods and places of natural interest will also be arranged.
The charities say that learning outdoors helps build confidence and reduce stress in children.
Outfit Moray’s chief executive, Ian Rideout, said: “We are very excited about opening the outdoor nursery, and the concept of extending the forest schools ethos to pre-school children.
“This is a real achievement for the Earthtime team and we will support them in the growth and development of this and future outdoor nurseries.”
Laura Russell and Deborah Hockney, the founders of Earthtime, said the project had been in the works for two years, and that time was taken to “get every aspect right”.
They added: “Finding the ideal location has been a challenge, but Duffus provides us with all the outdoor elements we need and excellent indoor facilities.”
There will be an open day for parents to visit the facilities and meet the staff team at Duffus Village Hall on Monday, December 21, from 10am until 2pm.