Welcome to Waldens Little Wildings, a Community Interest Company, where we nurture the next generation of nature-loving, hands-on learners. Our Farm based learning centre will act as a supplementary educational provision.
Offering mixed workshops, emphasis on woodwork and environmental stewardship.
Walden’s Little Wildlings is situated on our beautiful farm ‘Organic Orchards’. Our community-based program will offer a unique blend of nature and wildlife, sustainable growing practices and woodworking skills. Our approach facilitates creative exploration. Children learn to respect and care for nature.
At our farm-based learning centre is set amidst a working organic fruit and chicken farm. Children are invited to grow, explore, and learn in a democratic, child-led environment rooted in the rhythms of nature. Here, education is not confined to four walls—the woods, the meadows, the fruit trees and the veg garden become our classrooms, and every plant, stick, seed, and tool becomes part of the learning journey.
We believe that children learn best when they’re empowered, when their curiosity guides the day, and when they are seen as capable, creative contributors to their environment. At Walden’s Little Wildings, children co-create their learning experiences with skilled mentors and facilitators, shaping their own path through inquiry, imagination, and exploration.
Democratic Learning Environment
Our ethos is built on the principles of democracy, where every child has a voice and a role to play. We believe that learning is a collaborative process, and that every individual brings their own unique perspective and strengths to the table.
Every voice matters. Children are given the freedom and responsibility to shape their daily activities, learning how to listen, collaborate, and lead.
Child-Led Exploration
We trust that children are naturally curious and motivated to learn. Our child-led approach allows them to take ownership of their education, exploring topics and activities that spark their interest, passion and encourage independence.
Hands on activities
We believe that learning is most effective when it’s hands-on. We will incorporate a range of activities that combine physical and mental learning that promotes well being. Children will be invited to learn foraging skills, purposeful fire use, engage in creative activities involving woodwork, crafting practices using the natural resources that surround us and align with re-nurturing principles.
Risk Taking and Resilience
The importance of risk taking is an often underestimated tool, this goes ‘hand in hand’ (excuse the pun) with ‘hands on’ learning. Whether it be scaling trees, handling tools or navigating rough unknown terrain, we believe it is crucial to build upon our children’s resilience and resourcefulness.
Immersed in Nature
Our organic farm provides the perfect setting for nature-based learning. Children spend their days exploring the outdoors, discovering the wonders of the natural world, and developing a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. We believe discovering the importance of our native flora and fauna, and regenerative stewardship is fundamental for the next generation.
Whether foraging fruits, fire-building, climbing trees or observing wildlife, children build lasting relationships with the natural world—and in doing so, with themselves.
Organic Farming & Sustainability
We believe that learning about nature goes hand-in-hand with learning from nature. Our students participate in organic growing practices, learning about sustainable food systems, and how to care for the land.
Children experience firsthand what it means to grow food without harming nature, learning about sustainable agriculture, soil care, and the value of giving back to the Earth.
Woodwork & Craftsmanship
Our children also have the opportunity to develop practical skills like woodwork, learning about craftsmanship, and creating something with their own hands.
With tools in hand and guidance from mentors, children develop fine motor skills, patience, and confidence through real, meaningful work—from building shelters to carving their own creations.
Physical & Mental Growth, Together
Movement and mindfulness go hand in hand. We encourage running, climbing, building, resting, reflecting, and noticing—balancing physical activity with emotional well-being.
Resourcefulness & Resilience
Living in a throw-away society and world driven by convenience, we teach the power of making do, reusing, repurposing, and respecting resources. Children learn that everything has value, especially what they create with their own hands.
Reciprocity with Nature
We don’t just take from the land—we learn to put back what we receive, planting seeds, composting, and caring for the ecosystems that sustain us. Following the ancient wisdom of ancestors long gone.
Community and Social Space
Organic Orchards also invites other like minded parents, tutors, facilitators and home ed groups to use our education facility as a hub and community space. Together we can hopefully provide the transformative education our children deserve. If you can think of an activity or subject area that isn’t available currently then why not offer this in our ready made space.
Core Values
- Respect for nature and the environment
- Resourcefulness and self-sufficiency
- Creativity and imagination
- Community and cooperation
- Personal growth and development
Benefits
- Improved mental health and reduced stress
- Increased physical activity
- Boosted creativity and problem-solving skills
- Stronger immune systems
- Better social skills and teamwork
- Deeper connection with the natural world
Join Us
At Little Waldens Wildlings, we’re not just teaching academic subjects – we’re cultivating a deep love of nature, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to living sustainably. It’s about raising resourceful, resilient, grounded, and thoughtful humans who know how to observe, ask questions, solve problems—and feel at home in the world around them.
If you’re looking for a unique educational experience that will inspire and empower your child, we’d love to welcome you to our community.
