Woodland Fun & Winter Tips Newsletter
Dear Friends of GroWild,
Winter brings its own quiet magic—like discovering tiny icicles, frozen puddles or frost-dusted spiderwebs on a morning walk, or the thrill of spotting a robin perched on a frosty branch. In this newsletter, we’re sharing practical tips, creative ideas and updates from GroWild to help your family embrace the season and keep little ones happy, cosy and inspired.
As always, our goal is to be a trusted source of guidance and encouragement for enjoying nature year-round with your little explorers. We’re already planning the spring edition, where we’ll bring you fresh activities, advice and updates to help your family make the most of the changing seasons!
Until then, we hope this winter instalment adds a little extra joy to your days!
WINTER WOODLAND ACTIVITY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Sometimes, getting children excited for a walk can feel like a challenge—but adding a playful game like Fly, Robin, Fly can transform reluctance into enthusiasm!
This active and imaginative game keeps little ones (and slightly bigger ones!) warm, engaged and curious as they explore their surroundings. Whether they're sleepy robins waking up to a frosty morning or mischievous Frost Sprites hiding treasures, children will love the thrill of the chase while soaking up fresh air and the beauty of nature. Perfect for sparking joy and keeping everyone on the move!
Have a go at the game below and don’t forget to tag us @growild_kindergarten_norwich on Instagram if you get some lovely pics!
AN UPDATE FROM US AT GROWILD…
This winter, we’ve been rolling up our sleeves to make a difference—both in nature and our community.
Our little explorers have been busy planting 60 young trees from the ‘Hedgerow Pack’ kindly donated by The Woodland Trust. It’s been muddy work, but what a joy to see tiny hands helping create a thriving habitat for local wildlife that will grow for generations. Species included dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple and dogwood.
We’ve also been turning our attention to giving back this festive season, collecting food donations for our local foodbank. The response from our families has been heart warming, and we’re so proud to be part of such a generous community. Thank you for helping us make a difference - big and small - this season!
STORYBOOK OF THE SEASON…
We love this heart warming story by Alice Hemming! ‘The Snow Thief’ is packed with charm, curiosity and giggles. The playful, expressive illustrations bring the characters and their snowy adventure to life.
Plus, there’s a fantastic page at the end with fun facts about winter and the seasons—perfect for curious little minds.
It’s our Book of the Season because it’s not just a story; it’s an invitation to explore, learn and fall in love with the changing seasons and the little moments of magic that they bring!
A NOTE FROM GROWILD FOUNDER - HOLLY…
Hi Everyone,
I believe that outdoor winter adventures with little ones are a must! But as a mum and the founder of GroWild, I know how tricky it can be to dress your children for outdoor play in the colder months. That’s why I’m sharing my tried-and-tested tips for layering up smartly this winter!
Here’s the secret (find links to the type of items we would look for here):
1️⃣ Start with a Merino Base Layer – Thin, soft, and brilliant at keeping kids dry and warm without overheating.
2️⃣ Add Lightweight Layers – Think fleece or wool for insulation without restricting movement.
3️⃣ Include a Core Layer – A padded jacket or gilet adds extra warmth without being bulky. It’s perfect for keeping little explorers comfortable while allowing layers to be removed gradually.
4️⃣ Finish with Weatherproof Gear – A waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers will keep the elements out.
🧦 And don’t forget wool socks for warm, dry toes!
The trick is to keep layers thin and breathable, so they’re comfy to wear and easy to adjust when they warm up from all that running around.
I’ve shared some of our suggestions for winter must-haves—like a hot flask for warming little hands—on the blog. You can read the full guide here.
Stay cosy and happy exploring,
Holly
Founder, GroWild
PLASTIC FREE TOY GIFT GUIDE…
At GroWild, we believe the magic of Christmas should be both enchanting and environmentally thoughtful. That’s why we’ve created a gift guide for the little nature lovers in your life.
Whether your child adores snuggling up with soft toys, exploring the wonders of nature, getting lost in stories or building magical worlds with wooden toys, there’s something there for everyone!