Welcome to Willow Den
Willow Den Outdoor Nurseries are uniquely designed for children.
Our aim is simple, we want all parents in Scotland to be able to choose an outdoor nursery experience for their children. That’s why we created Willow Den. Our nurseries are safe yet exciting, where children can connect with nature, in green spaces close to home.
We believe outdoor play is a life-enhancing experience, that’s why we want all of Scotland’s children to thrive outdoors.
Our practitioners will skillfully support your child to explore, experiment, research, and master new skills. At Willow Den we will support your child to be healthy, happy, and resilient; to form friendships, to learn vital skills, and to have fun.
Learning outdoors in the natural environment enables children to follow their curiosity and to develop their knowledge and skills across the entire early level curriculum. Research clearly and consistently identifies outdoor play as vital to emotional, physical, and mental health and well-being and critical to all aspects of childhood learning and development.
We currently have locations in Edinburgh and Falkirk.
Together, we are Willow Den.
“Of all the paths in life, make sure a few of them are dirt”
John Muir Naturalist
Why Outdoors?
Willow Den aims to embed outdoor play and learning into the fabric of Scottish life so that all of Scotland’s children can thrive outdoors.
Nursery Locations
Each Willow Den nursery is unique, connecting children to the outdoors whether it’s in the middle of a city, a local beach or a country park.
Fees & Funding
At Willow Den, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity and access to affordable, high-quality learning and education.
Read our Blog
Falkirk’s only fully outdoor nursery offers ‘limitless opportunities to develop imagination, curiosity and creative thinking skills’ says Care Inspectorate
Willow Den at The Falkirk Wheel, the area’s only fully outdoor nursery has received high praise in its first inspection…
Partnering with Spotty Otter to get the best outdoor gear for your little pups
Now, he’s an OTTER you can’t refuse! We’re proud to be partnering with outdoor clothing brand Spotty Otter. Our collective aim to…
A warm Willow Den welcome
A new families’ experience of joining the Willow Den community. “With a year to go before starting school, we decided…
“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs“
Nicolette Sowder
