01 · Imagine
Small worlds
Blue fabric becomes a stream, a wood slice becomes a bridge and a few peg people begin an adventure. Woodland animals and Bramble Cottage add to the stories.
A little world for
big imaginations.
A calm alternative to busy play spaces. Story-led play inspired by the woodland and its changing seasons. A welcoming place for children to follow their curiosity and grown-ups to pause alongside them.
Book a sessionShutlanger & nearby local venues
Outdoors in the gardens when the weather allows.
Grown-ups stay and play.
Inside a gathering
What will your child explore?
Expect carefully curated play invitations made with wood, felt, fabrics, baskets and treasures from nature, with plastic kept to a minimum wherever practical. Simple materials leave room for children’s own ideas.
02 · Explore
Sensory invitations
Pour, scoop, mix, gather and make potions. Thoughtfully arranged invitations offer rich textures and discoveries without needing enormous amounts of mess.
03 · Create
The Maker’s Table
Seasonal crafts, natural textures and mark-making. The making matters more than the finished piece.
Waldorf-inspired principles guide our play: the rhythm of the seasons, storytelling, imagination and time to become absorbed. Children can wander between invitations or spend their session in one favourite corner.
The person behind our little woodland
Hello, I’m Jem.
I’m a mum to two little girls and I’ve worked with children and families for over 25 years. But the idea for Tiny Toadstool really grew from my own experiences of becoming a mum.
As a working parent, I was looking for something different at weekends, especially in the colder months: exciting and magical, without being loud or fast-paced. Somewhere my girls could slow down, investigate and become absorbed in their play.
I’ve always loved nature and have a particular soft spot for small-world play. You’ll often find me collecting fallen leaves and interesting bits of bark, adding to my ever-growing basket collection or making tiny things for our next gathering.
My hope is that you’ll feel welcome here too. Children can simply play while you enjoy being alongside them—with a hot drink in hand.
Say hello on InstagramOur own photographs
Little moments in our woodland.
A glimpse of our play invitations, handmade creations and time spent exploring together. Select a photo to see it larger.
See more play moments
What parents have shared.
“Often my mind goes blank, but the prompts got us started and it flowed from there.”
“…it's nice to slow it down and see her focused.”
“Honestly couldn’t recommend this group enough, the most creative, wholesome, thought through activities.”
“The most beautiful play group. Can’t recommend it enough.”
For your next walk or afternoon at home
Free nature resources.
Seasonal hunts, simple activities and a four-page printable pack. No sign-up needed.
Browse the resourcesSpringSummerAutumnWinter
Say hello
Contact us.
Have a question about a session, your first visit or Tiny Toadstool Play? Email Jem or send a message on Instagram — I’d love to hear from you.