Rooted in Nature: How Outdoor Learning Shapes Every Day at Sunny Days Nursery and Forest School
- Sunny Days at Brook
- May 11
- 2 min read
At Sunny Days Nursery and Forest School, set in the rural beauty of Brook, between Haslemere and Godalming, we believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for learning—it is the classroom.
Every day, our children are immersed in the outdoors, whether they’re exploring the woods, foraging for natural treasures in the fields, or climbing trees with confidence. This connection to the natural world is woven through everything we do and is central to our ethos.
Learning That Grows from the Ground Up
Spending time in nature supports children’s wellbeing in powerful ways. The outdoors offers space to breathe, move freely, and feel calm—things that are vital for healthy emotional development and, in turn, for learning.
From hunting for bugs and painting with mud, to turning sticks into imaginary animals or enjoying snack time under the trees, the experiences children have in nature are rich in opportunity. They promote curiosity, independence, and joy in learning—qualities that can’t always be nurtured within four walls.
Daily Outdoor Learning supports:
🌿 Emotional Wellbeing – The calming sights, sounds, and rhythms of the outdoors help children self-regulate and feel grounded.
🧠 Cognitive Development – Children engage in problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking as they explore and interact with their environment.
💬 Communication Skills – Natural play encourages storytelling, new vocabulary, and meaningful conversations.
🏃 Physical Strength and Coordination – Climbing, running, balancing, and using child-friendly tools help children build strength, control and confidence in their bodies.
🌍 Environmental Awareness – Daily time spent in nature nurtures respect and care for the living world, building the foundation for lifelong environmental responsibility.
More Than a Curriculum
While we support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our forest school approach offers so much more. The natural world provides endless opportunities for child-led, purposeful learning that adapts to the seasons, the children’s interests, and the world around them.
We blend core nursery activities—such as mark-making, number recognition, creative arts, and literacy—with nature in creative and meaningful ways. Whether children are identifying shapes in the trees, making collages with foraged materials, or sharing a story while perched on a log, their learning is active, immersive, and memorable.
A Setting Like No Other
Located between Haslemere and Godalming, Sunny Days offers families the unique combination of full day care and forest school values. Our nurturing team provides a calm, inspiring space for children to thrive—socially, emotionally, and developmentally.
We don’t treat nature as a weekly treat or an occasional theme—it’s a daily part of life here. Come rain or shine, our children are outside exploring, discovering and growing with every step they take.
Looking for something different?
If you’re exploring nurseries in the area and hoping to find something more connected, grounded and joyful, come and visit us. We’d love to show you how Sunny Days blends early education with the freedom and richness of the natural world.
