About Nest Nurturing Futures
How We Got Started
Nest started out when Ruth and Amy started volunteering together, became friends and shared an idea. They were volunteering with the passion of getting children and families benefiting from the wonders of nature. They were so passionate about this that they wanted to do more and every conversation led to a thousand ideas. Nest was a platform in which to turn these ideas into reality.
With Amy eager to make this into her full time career, Ruth enabled that dream with her business experience to get Nest Nurturing Futures up and running. Ruth also gifted Nest Nurturing Futures the use of her wonderful land the Wild playground as a base.
The Aims of Nest Nurturing Futures
- Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do through our weekly sessions, special events or through our wellbeing focused sessions. We are always gentle in our approach seeking to nurture the individual to grow into their best true contented self.
- Education through the exploration of nature, freedom to express creativity and most importantly play! We feel the human mind learns much more efficiently in nature, especially with an inter-generational community that enriches the learning environment. Our aim is to give this opportunity of growth to all.
- Connecting communities. We are proud to be in the wonderful county of Dumfries and Galloway and there are so many wonderful people and groups in our region that our aim is to celebrate all of these wonderful people and groups, to support and connect with each other. This is why we especially love our collaborated events and working for others in the town. Want to collaborate with us? then visit our Collaborators page
- Connecting people to the earth, being eco friendly in our practices, being kind and nurturing to our most valued resource – the planet. We hope to develop a love for the earth and a desire to protect it, so future generations can continue to enjoy the never-ending benefits the earth brings to us all.
How To Get Involved With Nest Nurturing Futures
Currently we run two weekly sessions and one fortnightly session:
Our Wild Wednesdays (weekly) offer two sessions to cater for all needs. Our morning sessions support child-minders and large families by our fixed price per group instead of charging individuals. And our afternoon sessions supporting home-school and flexi-school children within the region.
Our Saturdays (fortnightly) are a day for families to connect and enjoy nature together. This day is about making lasting memories with your families and friends that will continue to make you happy for a lifetime.
We also run special events. This can range from wellbeing events, collaborations, workshops and events outside our base.
As well as our weekly sessions and special events, we hire for private events of your choosing. More specifically we host nurture in nature sessions which are wellbeing events for adults and outdoor birthday parties that are eco friendly and full of adventure. We also run well-being and team bonding days for businesses and charities.
Meet the Team
Ruth Osman
Ruth has always been passionate about raising children with an understanding and love for the outdoors and all things nature. she has had 7 years experience in delivering outdoor sessions to children as well as setting up businesses and charities within the community.
Amy Murray
Amy shares the same passion for the outdoors and nature and bringing these to children and adults alike. As well as 7 years of experience delivering outdoor sessions she is currently studying to become a fully-qualified Forest School leader to be able to bring more teachings to those that come to Nest. Amy is a Qualified Tree Babies Guide and has a Forest Bathing Diploma. She also has a degree in Animal Conservation Science as well as a Level 2 in Caring for Children & Young People, Awareness in Mental Health in Children & Young People and Mental Health Awareness. Amy Is also Fully Outdoor First Aid trained with a paediatric element.
Amy is currently studying to become a Mama Wild Ambassador
Our Mission
To provide the benefits of the outdoors to the community.
The Wild Playground
The Wild Playground is where the majority of all of our sessions are based. It is located just outside of Dumfries in Cargenbridge next to the Mabie Forest Kennels and Cattery. (Find directions in our FAQ page)
The Wild Playground offers a unique, private space with lots of different habitats like a pond and woodland. There is also play equipment including a self-built pirate ship perfect for the imagination of young children and adults alike. The space is rich in bio-diversity and teaming with wildlife, perfect for bug hunts and learning about the eco-system.
The space also features vegetable plots, mud kitchen, bridges over streams perfect for the best of summer activities.
With the wild playground being a private space, it is a very peaceful and tranquil place making it perfect for mindfulness retreats
The fire pit and shelter are the hub of the playground where fresh bread can be toasted and marshmallows roasted.
From weekly sessions to special events and hosting birthday parties there is always something going on at Nest and the Wild Playground. Find out more below.
What’s on at Nest
Weekly Sessions
Our weekly sessions are run come rain or shine!
Events
A range of special events are held throughout the year. From Mother’s day celebrations to birds of prey workshops
Birthday Parties & Private Hire
Looking for something special this year for your child’s birthday party or looking to hire the wild playground space for your own special event then get in touch.
Becky Rose Yoga
Becky works to introduce yoga to children all across the region and we are especially happy to be able to work with her and have our children be apart of her amazing sessions.
Bump Baby & Beyond
Bump, Baby & Beyond (Dumfries and Galloway) is a charity that helps to support local parents and parents-to-be. There mission is to develop and offer community based support and services to families.
Drawing For Enjoyment
Drawing For Enjoyment holds workshops for all abilities in a warm and friendly environment. The focus is on the enjoyment of drawing and the journey together, not the results. Based in Dumfries and Galloway and working throughout Scotland
Kerrie McKinnel - Writer
Kerrie McKinnel - Writer is based in south-west Scotland. Alongside her own writing, she offers creative writing workshops and events for all ages.
Want to become a friend and supporter of Nest Nurturing Futures? By making a yearly donation you can become a friend and supporter. Find out how on our page Become A Friend.
You can also easily make a donation of any amount by using the button across. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help keep Nest Nurturing Futures and The Wild Playground running.
You can also support us by buying our merch. Check out our online store here
