We encourage lots of self-directed play so children can explore and discover at their pace and in their own way, while learning and truly connecting with nature.
Free Outdoor Learning for Local Families: We are delighted to offer free participation in many of our regular outdoor learning sessions to families living in postcodes EH16 and EH17.
Forest Friday
Who: For child 6-12 year olds
(For children living within postcode areas EH16 and EH17. Please make contact if you live out of catchment as spaces can often become available)
Where: Meeting at Bridgend Farmhouse, using Craigmillar Forest and Gilmerton Primary School
When: Friday from 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Mixture of child-led free play and pre-planned activities, these are often planned from previous sessions or on the walk to our sites. We just never know where the interests will lie…..
Activities include: den building, natural art and crafts, swings and hammocks, tool use, bush-craft skills, campfire cooking, nature ID and foraging.
Who: For children under 6 years old & supporting adult
(For children living within postcode areas EH16 and EH17. Please make contact if you live out of catchment as spaces can often become available)
Where: Meeting at Bridgend Farmhouse, we use the Bothy Play Space and Craigmillar Forest
When: Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Fully child-led active play for children under 6 and supporting adult. All sessions include sustainable activities that can be replicated at home, in the garden and in local green spaces including: scavenger hunts, nature trails, mud kitchen, water play, small world play, loose parts and much much more….
Beach Schools
Who: all children
Where: Musselburgh Beach, Longniddry Bents 2 & 3 and Granton Bay
When: Between April and September
Beach School sessions tend to follow the same principles as forest school sessions whereby children are encouraged to explore the natural environment with its constantly changing appearance, offerings, and potential learning experiences and opportunities.
Activities include: simple woodwork using tools and drift wood, shelter building, buckets and nets for rock pooling, sea glass art and crafts, shell collecting, sand castles, beach games, beach clean and more.
World Forest Families – Monthly
New for 2026
We are thrilled to welcome so many new families from around the globe every week. To celebrate the rich diversity you bring, we are launching an exciting new monthly series for 2026!
Every month, a Forest Families session will transform into a global cultural exchange, focusing on a different country or continent. It’s a chance to learn, share, and connect with nature through a worldly lens!
What we will explore each month:
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Traditional campfire cooking and recipes.
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Local folklore, nature stories, and myths.
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Unique flora, fauna, and foraging traditions.
Get in touch if you’d like to help?
Forests For All – Monthly
Who: primary aged children with additional support needs and their families.
Where: Bridgend Farmhouse and walking together into Craigmillar Castle Park
When: every 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am – 12pm
These sessions are led by Jill Purves and Leanne Reid from The Very Inclusive Play Club who are trained Therapeutic Forest Practitioners and Forest School leaders.
The sessions are mainly child-led with some games and activities to assist in the development of independence, language and social and emotional skills. We can use Sign-along, Picture Exchange Visuals (PECs) and other communication strategies to support your child.
Sessions are tailored to ensure they meet the needs of each child. Siblings are welcome to attend and we promote sibling bonding to help create special family memories.
Sliding Pay Scale
At Trees and Seas we try to make sessions affordable to all and we use a sliding scale payment system known as “pay what you can” which is income based and self-assessed. We hope this makes sessions affordable for all. More information is given when you proceed to book.
Invest in our mission
Every contribution, big or small, helps us provide free outdoor play experiences for children and families in Edinburgh. Your donation ensures these vital programs continue to thrive, fostering a love for nature and creating lasting memories for all.
Testimonial
Trees and Seas have been an absolute life line for my son over the last year. Jill and her incredible team have offered a place for young people in the area to thrive, become more confident, resilient, try new things and take pride in a community space. I am so grateful that Christopher has a safe outdoor space to run around in with a diverse group of friends in all weather as there are not many opportunities to play out where I stay. The sliding scale of fees makes it affordable for everyone.
Christopher say “Friday is my favourite day of the week. When I get to forest school and see my guys I feel so happy inside. Sometimes I get there and take a deep breath and I feel better.”