Our story started in 2017 when we discovered a dilapidated plant nursery next to an allotment site off Cricket Road in Oxford. It was disused for 10 years and was overgrown with brambles. But there was something magical about the place and with a cabin, poly-tunnels, an orchard and growing areas, we saw there was huge potential to unlock.

A group a parents, community members and educators formed a Cooperative and set about to transform it into a beautiful educational space for families to be outside and connect with nature.

We want to offer childcare from our site, for early-years foundation stage children and up, with a focus on Forest School, food-growing, outdoor play and self-directed learning. This will be run cooperatively by parents and staff, making it affordable for families.

The space will also be a welcoming local resource, a place where local families can spend time with their children, meet other parents and build social networks. Alongside regular childcare, we will offer community activities and events.