Babes in the Woods is a volunteer-led outdoor playgroup based in Dumfries, delivering a programme of free sessions for pre-schoolers and their families. In 2012 we secured a piece of forestry on the edge of Dumfries for our own outdoor classroom and to date we have held a number of forest clearing sessions to create a central play hub and erected a bridge and dipping pontoons.
In order to continue to develop this space we are in need of various items including pallets, kitchen utensils, bricks and compost. We would be most grateful if anyone able to donate these items could contact us at [email protected] or through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/outdoorplaydumfries.
Our parent led group understands that early access to outdoor play (whatever the weather!) has social, emotional, cognitive and physical benefits for children and their parents. We 
also know that we live in one of the most amazing and diverse regions in the UK and are blessed with many opportunities to be outdoors. Our vision is that all families understand the importance of outdoor play, know how to play outdoors safely and creatively, develop an appreciation for our wonderful natural heritage and understand and are able to access the opportunities for outdoor play in their own communities.
Our timetable for 2015 includes monthly meets at our outdoor classroom; a monthly roadtrip – for example swan spotting at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust; and a series of informal get togethers – for example ‘a bear hunt’ in Mabie Forest.
Babes in the Woods is part of Bump, Baby & Beyond (Dumfries and Galloway), a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. SC045122) supporting local parents and parents-to-be.
