Growing in nature: Introducing Nurture The Wild Project

Whether you’re in Aberdeen City or out in the Shire, we’re fortunate to live in a part of the world where green space is never far away. With nature quite literally on our doorstep, encouraging children to spend time outdoors isn’t just a lovely idea - it’s essential for their early development and long-term wellbeing.

In recent years, interest in outdoor learning and nature-based communities has grown, supported by a growing body of research highlighting the many benefits of time spent in the natural world. So what does that look like in practice, here in the North East? We were delighted to speak with Paloma, founder of the Nurture The Wild Project…

Tell us a little bit about you and what inspired you to create your business…

“I’ve worked in forest schools since 2018, have a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation, and I’ve always felt deeply connected to the wild and the healing power of nature. After having my daughter, I went through a period of anxiety and isolation while we trialled a move abroad when she was just three months old. When we returned home, I knew I didn’t want to place her in a nursery so I could spend my days working with other people’s children. Instead, I wanted to create a community of like-minded parents and build a heart-led business that she could be part of.

“That’s where my vision began to take shape. I started with Wild Mummas, a group for postpartum mothers, when my little girl was eight months old. Since then, the business has grown alongside her. She’s now 28 months old and a thriving little sunshine, and I truly credit so much of that to the time we’ve spent together in nature and the wonderful community that has grown around us.

“At its heart, my business is about connection - with the natural world, with each other and within ourselves. Every session is designed to nurture those connections through gentle rhythm, play and exploration in the beautiful woodland space we call home.”

“I offer forest school experiences for families with young children and nature-based sessions for postnatal mothers and babies. Set in a beautiful woodland environment, these experiences support connection with nature, community and self.

“Each session is shaped around play, exploration and a gentle rhythm that supports both children and parents. Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, engage their senses and learn through open-ended, unstructured experiences. We embrace messy, sensory-rich play - from making mud soup and splashing in puddles to discovering tiny insects and exploring different textures.

“Parents and little ones can also expect supportive, community-focused time outdoors. Whether it’s families enjoying time together in the woods or postpartum mothers finding connection and companionship, the heart of every session is creating a warm, nature-based space where people can grow, play and feel supported.”

“All of my sessions take place in Den Woods, a beautiful corner of Hazlehead Woods, just beside Countesswells Woods in Aberdeen city.”

Why is spending time outdoors so important for children?

“Spending time outdoors gives children the time, space and freedom to grow and learn in their own unique way. The woodland setting naturally offers the perfect balance of stimulation and calm, allowing them to engage all their senses as they move, touch and observe the world around them. This kind of exploratory play supports every area of development - from physical coordination and language to social skills, emotional confidence and overall wellbeing.

“With a little freedom and trust, children begin to take healthy risks, test their limits and discover what they’re capable of. Research shows that nature-based play supports focus, resilience and wellbeing, but it’s witnessing it first-hand that truly brings this to life. There’s something incredibly special about watching a child’s confidence grow as they climb a log, make mud soup or notice a tiny insect for the first time.”

“Outdoor play provides children with the foundations for healthy development in a way that indoor or structured activities often can’t. Structured play tends to be adult-led, with a clear plan or expected outcome. In contrast, outdoor play is largely child-led. It becomes their world, where adults are there to guide and support when needed rather than direct.

“A stick might become the wall of a den, a magic wand, a wooden spoon for mixing potions, a staff, a walking stick or even Stickman. The possibilities are endless. This kind of open-ended play invites creativity, imagination and problem-solving in a way that’s unique to the natural world. Children learn to follow their curiosity, make their own choices and discover joy in simple things and that’s what truly sets outdoor play apart.”

“Scotland’s weather certainly keeps us on our toes, but it’s all part of the adventure. We love to play in the rain and mud, and it’s always great fun when there are big puddles to stomp in. 

“I always start our sessions with a short walk to get bodies moving and build up warmth. I try to plan activities that keep children active, and we always pause for a warming bowl of soup and a hot drink. During the coldest months, we keep the fire going throughout the session and have a cosy bell tent for shelter from the wind.

“The one element we can’t safely work in is high wind. Because our sessions take place in a beech woodland, gusts above 30mph can be dangerous, so we cancel the session to ensure everyone’s safety.

“I truly believe that spending time outdoors - in all kinds of weather - helps children stay healthier. From my own experience with my daughter, who only attends outdoor activities, she rarely seems to get ill, and when she does, she bounces back quickly. The mix of fresh air, movement and time in nature helps them settle more easily and sleep more deeply. Being outside means germs aren’t confined to small spaces, and children are constantly moving, breathing fresh air and strengthening their bodies - a simple, natural way to support their overall health and wellbeing.”