
Laurel’s Woodlings
Outdoor Playgroup & Forest School
Welcome to Laurel’s Woodlings — a magical woodland playgroup in Formby for confident walkers up to age 6. Each 75-minute session blends Forest School-style activities, nature crafts, stories and plenty of time to play in our woodland playground. Children can swing, climb, dig, and explore while parents and carers relax and enjoy the calm of our private woodland.
More than just play, Woodlings helps little ones grow in confidence, resilience, and connection to the natural world — all while making special memories together.
Spaces are kept small to ensure every session is safe, engaging, and personal for each child and family. Our woodland is pram-friendly and just a short, flat walk from the car park.
Come rain or shine, we’re here with a smile, a cuppa and a warm welcome.

Woodlings Will Develop…
Important Information
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Expect mud, splashes & fun — bring a spare set of clothes and a bag for muddy boots.
Arrive on time — sessions run for 75 minutes and can’t be extended.
Check in with a staff member on arrival.
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Summer: Long sleeves, no shorts. Sun hat, sun cream, insect repellent, lightweight waterproof. Layers help — it’s cooler under the trees.
Winter: Thermals/base layer, mid layer (fleece/jumper), warm waterproof coat & trousers, hat, gloves. Thin layers keep heat in.
Footwear: Trainers or boots (suitable for climbing obstacles!). Wellies (wear 2 thick socks). No sandals/open-toes.
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We share our site with the animals who live here (if lucky you’ll catch a glimpse!).
Ticks are common in woodland areas.
Wear long sleeves/trousers tucked into socks.
Use insect repellent.
Check your child afterwards (knees, waist, armpits, hairline, ears, bellybutton, skin folds).
Remove ticks promptly — see gov.uk “Tick Awareness” for guidance.
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Parents are responsible for their child’s safety & behaviour at all times.
Stick to Laurel’s Woodlings playground area, pathways & toilets — other areas are private/in use. Follow directional signage.
Respect play equipment/resources — keep them in their spaces & tidy after use.
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Beware of uneven ground, roots, ditches — follow signs.
You decide what’s suitable for your child’s abilities.
Laurel’s Wood is a wildlife haven — respect the space & its creatures.
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We have an on-site composting toilet with steps.
If you or your child have access needs, please contact us before booking — we’ll always try to help.
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By booking, you accept these Booking Conditions.

Woodlings Will Discover…
“Absolutely incredible. Beautiful setting, we could have stayed for hours.”
— PARENT OF PRESCHOOLER
The Faces Behind Woodlings
We’re Lucy and Ceara — a Primary School Teacher/Woodland Skills Leader a Forest School Leader with over 20 years’ experience. Woodlings is rooted in our personal journeys as mums, and in the thousands of children we’ve welcomed through Laurel’s Wood CIC on school visits. We’ve seen time and again how time in nature can regulate, calm, and ignite something in children (and grown-ups too).
Now, we’re bringing that magic to the early years — and our own lively little boys (two each, ages 4 and 7) have been the best guinea pigs for everything we offer!
“These skills prepare children for school — and life.”
— LUCY, PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER & WOODLAND SKILLS LEADER