Sessions

What can I expect from a session?

We will meet in our designated meeting area a few minutes before the start of our session and make our way into the woods together. We will start our morning with some songs, games and exploratory play in and around our setting. There will be time for a snack mid-session.

Our sessions will be child-led and follow children’s passions and interests. Woodland Whispers aims to empower adults to trust their child’s imaginative impulses and create stories together from scratch.  Whether it’s making puppets from nature’s playthings we find all around us, creating some outdoor shadow theatre, weaving a story using clay creatures we make with our hands, or doing other natural crafts – there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Who are the sessions for?

Whispers at Crathes / Dunnottar / Cults Quarry Woods: These sessions are catered for children aged 2 – 6 years. Younger siblings under 2 as well as older home-schooled siblings are most welcome to join. Children under 2 go free, as do the adults accompanying their children. A space needs to be booked for children aged 2-6 and older (if the older siblings attend regularly). All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Tiny Whispers at Crathes / Dunnottar / Cults Quarry Woods: These sessions are catered for children aged 6 months – 2 years and their adults. A space needs to be booked for the baby / toddler only. Accompanying adults and older siblings go free.

We actively encourage you to engage and have fun with your child. No child can be left with us unattended and you will be required to stay on site the whole time.

Where and when do sessions happen?

See the How to Find Us page.

What sort of activities do we do?

This is what might happen at Woodland Whispers:

What to bring to our sessions

Upon signing up, you will receive a welcome letter with further information regarding your sessions, what to wear, what to bring, etc.

Please make sure you bring a drink and snack for yourself and your child.

How to dress for a session

You will be familiar with the old saying “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. After all, it is not uncommon in Aberdeen to experience all 4 seasons in one day!

Please make sure to dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and layers that can easily be taken on or off. We also recommend waterproof trousers / dungarees and jackets on top for you and your child. Since your child may be moving around more than you are, please make sure you are dressed in warm layers and waterproofs, too.

In winter, we recommend waterproof mittens. Finger gloves are useful in cold but dry weather and make it easy to do crafts or eat a snack without getting cold hands. A hat with ear flaps or a balaclava keep the ears and head cosy.

“If it was’nae for yer wellies…” It is important you and your child wear suitable footwear such as wellies or waterproof walking/hiking boots. We recommend wellies with removable fleece or wool liners for a flexible summer/winter option, or insulated wellies in winter. Thermal socks also help keep your feet toasty during the colder months.

In the warmer months, don’t forget your sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Toileting and Hygiene

In all our three woodland settings, there is enough privacy to “walk seven trees” for outdoor toileting. A travel potty will also be available. 

At Crathes Woods, the toilets at the Café can be used before the start of our session.

At both sites, you will need to bring your own changing mat for children in nappies.

Hand sanitiser as well as hand washing stations and paper towels will be provided.

How to book

Simply head to our Bookings page and select the block you would like to sign up for. Your booking will be confirmed once we have received your payment.

We will e-mail you a Welcome Pack containing additional information, as well as your photography and activities consent form.

I look forward to seeing you in the woods very soon!

Who are we?

See The Team page.