Looking to set up a nature club at your school, nursery or setting? A nature club is a simple, powerful way to help children spend more time outdoors, connect with the natural world, build confidence and enjoy hands-on outdoor learning.
Whether you are starting a lunchtime club, after-school nature club, outdoor learning group or forest school-style club, this guide will help you take the first steps. Learn more about this: Beginners Guide to Forest School.
What is a nature club?
A nature club is a regular outdoor group where children explore, play, observe, create and learn through nature.
It might include:
nature walks
bug hunting
bird watching
gardening
outdoor art
seasonal crafts
den building
pond dipping
weather watching
leaf collecting
nature journalling
outdoor wellbeing activities
A nature club does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as a small group of children going outside once a week to notice, explore and enjoy nature. Download thousands of resources today, take a 60-day free trial.
Why set up a nature club?
Children need regular opportunities to be outdoors. Get more Forest School Ideas and resources in the Forest School Activities Hub.
A nature club can support:
wellbeing
confidence
communication
teamwork
curiosity
physical development
emotional regulation
environmental awareness
science learning
creativity
independence
connection with nature
For some children, a nature club may become the part of the week where they feel most calm, confident and engaged.
It can also help schools build a stronger outdoor learning culture without trying to change everything at once.
New to outdoor learning? Start here
If setting up a nature club feels overwhelming, start small.
You do not need a woodland.
You do not need expensive equipment.
You do not need a perfect outdoor area.
You do not need to call it Forest School.
Start with:
one small group
one regular time each week
one simple outdoor focus
a clear routine
a few easy nature-based activities
The most important thing is consistency.
A simple nature club that happens regularly is more powerful than an overcomplicated plan that never gets started.
Try this tomorrow
The 10-Minute Nature Noticing Walk
Take a small group outside and ask them to find:
something green
something rough
something moving
something tiny
something that makes them feel calm
Come back together and talk about what everyone noticed.
Time: 10 minutes
Prep: None
Learning: Observation, vocabulary, wellbeing, curiosity and connection with nature
This is a simple way to begin a nature club without needing any special resources.
How to set up a nature club in school
When setting up a school nature club, keep the structure simple.
Think about:
who the club is for
when it will run
where it will take place
how many children can attend
what resources you already have
what safety routines you need
whether it is during lunch, curriculum time or after school
how you will communicate with parents
how you will keep activities manageable
You may want to begin with one term rather than the whole year. Download thousands of resources today, take a 60-day free trial.
For example:
Autumn nature club
Winter nature club
Spring nature club
Summer nature club
This makes planning feel more manageable and gives children a seasonal focus.
Nature club ideas without giving too much away
The full Set Up a Nature Club resource gives you practical support and activity ideas to help you start confidently.
Inside the resource, you will find simple ways to plan a nature club using:
seasonal outdoor learning
nature walks
wildlife activities
outdoor art
sensory nature play
wellbeing activities
simple science observations
child-led exploration
low-cost natural resources
The aim is to help you create a nature club that feels realistic, enjoyable and easy to keep going.
Who is a nature club for?
A nature club can work well for:
EYFS children
KS1 children
KS2 children
SEND pupils
nurture groups
eco teams
gardening groups
after-school clubs
lunchtime clubs
wellbeing groups
children who need more time outdoors
It can be used as a whole-school project, a small-group intervention, a reward, an enrichment activity or a regular outdoor learning opportunity. Get more Forest School Ideas and resources in the Forest School Activities Hub.
Nature club and SEND
A nature club can be especially supportive for children with SEND.
Outdoor spaces can offer:
more movement
less pressure
sensory experiences
calming routines
real-life learning
opportunities for communication
practical tasks
emotional regulation
confidence-building moments
Children who may find classroom learning difficult can often shine outdoors. Download thousands of resources today, take a 60-day free trial.
They may notice tiny details.
They may lead a bug hunt.
They may become calmer on a nature walk.
They may talk more while collecting leaves.
They may build relationships through shared outdoor tasks.
Nature clubs can give children another way to succeed.
Nature club and wellbeing
A nature club is not just about learning facts about plants or animals.
It is also about helping children feel connected, calm and curious.
Simple outdoor routines can support wellbeing, such as:
sitting quietly and listening to birds
noticing seasonal changes
breathing with leaves
creating nature art
walking slowly
caring for plants
watching clouds
collecting natural treasures
These small experiences can help children slow down and feel more grounded.
Do you need Forest School training to run a nature club?
A nature club is not the same as formal Forest School.
Forest School has its own principles, approach and training expectations, especially where tools, fire and higher-risk activities are involved.
However, a school nature club can still offer valuable outdoor learning without tools, fire or complex activities.
You can focus on:
nature connection
outdoor play
observation
seasonal learning
simple wildlife activities
nature art
wellbeing
gardening
low-risk outdoor exploration
Always follow your setting’s policies, risk assessments and safeguarding procedures.
Nature club safety
Before starting your nature club, think about:
adult ratios
boundaries
weather
clothing
allergies
handwashing
first aid
site checks
permissions
behaviour expectations
tool and fire policies
supervision
safe use of natural materials
Outdoor learning does not need to be risky, but it does need to be planned carefully.
Clear routines help children feel safe and confident.
Download the Set Up a Nature Club resource
If you would like the full activity pack and planning support, you can download Set Up a Nature Club inside The Muddy Puddle Teacher.
You can start with a 60-day free trial and explore outdoor learning resources, nature club ideas, forest school-style activities, SEND support and practical lesson ideas straight away.
Ready to start a nature club?
A nature club can be a simple, joyful way to bring more outdoor learning into your setting.
Start small.
Use what you have.
Go outside regularly.
Let children notice, wonder, move and explore.
Download thousands of resources today, take a 60-day free trial.
FAQs
How do I set up a nature club at school?
Start by choosing a small group, a regular time, a safe outdoor space and a simple weekly focus. Keep activities low-prep and nature-based, such as walks, bug hunts, outdoor art, gardening or seasonal observation. Get more Forest School Ideas and resources in the Forest School Activities Hub.
What can children do in a nature club?
Children can explore nature, go on walks, look for insects, collect leaves, make outdoor art, care for plants, watch birds, observe weather, build dens, create nature journals and take part in outdoor wellbeing activities.
Is a nature club the same as Forest School?
No. A nature club can include outdoor learning and nature-based activities, but it is not the same as formal Forest School. Forest School has specific principles and training requirements. A nature club can be simpler and lower-risk.
Do I need a woodland to run a nature club?
No. You can run a nature club in a playground, school field, garden area, local park, courtyard or small outdoor space. The key is helping children notice and connect with nature.
Can a nature club support SEND?
Yes. Nature clubs can support children with SEND by offering movement, sensory experiences, practical learning, emotional regulation and opportunities to build confidence outdoors.
What age is a nature club suitable for?
A nature club can be adapted for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 children. Activities should be age-appropriate, supervised and matched to your setting.
What resources do I need for a nature club?
You can start with very little. Useful resources might include clipboards, magnifying glasses, pots, pencils, chalk, hoops, buckets, gardening gloves, natural loose parts and simple nature journals.
Can I run a nature club after school?
Yes. A nature club can work well as an after-school club, lunchtime club, nurture group or regular outdoor learning session. Make sure you follow your setting’s policies, ratios, risk assessments and permissions.
What are easy nature club ideas?
Easy nature club ideas include nature walks, leaf hunts, bug spotting, cloud watching, outdoor art, bird watching, planting seeds, weather observations and nature colour hunts.
Where can I download nature club ideas?
You can download the full Set Up a Nature Club resource. Download thousands of resources today, take a 60-day free trial.
