Nottingham nursery helping children become healthy, resilient, creative and independent through outdoor learning.

Forest Nursery in Nottingham

Mapperley Day Nursery with Flexible Placements

Welcome to Wild Days Lodge Forest Pre-school in Mapperley, Nottingham. We are open 51 weeks a year for children aged 2 – 5 and offer flexible options to suit your schedule. Choose from part-time, full-time, or term-time only.
Funded places are available for 15 or 30 hours.

Arrange a visit and discuss the best plan for your family

About Our Forest Nursery

Our award-winning nursery in Nottingham is tucked away in the Mapperley Hospital Conservation Area. With a large natural garden and plenty of nearby green space to explore, our pre-school is a little adventure hub.

Here, children lead the way! Our Nottingham forest nursery is all about muddy boots, curious minds, and big imaginations. Time outdoors helps children build confidence, friendships, resilience, and a real love of learning, all within a warm, supportive setting.

Forest Nursery is unique in its reach, delivery and effect. There is a strong body of published research supporting the wide-ranging benefits of forest school for children’s development and wellbeing, alongside their early learning.

Find out more about our core aims

Funding & Fees

Government-funded places are available for two, three and four year olds, offering up to 30 hours per week.

Fees vary depending on the number of days or sessions required.

Find out more

School Readiness

A Forest nursery is the perfect environment for preparing for school.

Based on PACEY research and shaped by parents and childcare professionals.

Find out more

A Typical Forest Nursery Session

The sessions are designed to encourage children to feel comfortable playing outdoors and exploring the natural environment.

Find out more

Open for enrolment all year round

Read our expert guide on how to choose a nursery or preschool that’s perfect for your child.

HOW TO CHOOSE A NURSERY

Our reviews

      
   Wild Days Lodge Forest Pre-school
   10 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Flo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely wonderful setting, I have only good things to say about wild days lodge. Meeting the staff and seeing how attentive and caring they are really makes me feel at ease leaving my son here. He really enjoys forest school and all of the wonderful activities they have planned for him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachael 20 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our little started at Wild Days in Early summer 2025. We’re very happy with the switch from the previous setting. It is great to know little one is getting plenty of time outside. Babs and the team do a great job, the atmosphere is relaxed and our child is thriving.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Skyye Morgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a parent who was really nervous about sending my child to nursery, I feel I found the best option around for us with Wild Days Lodge. Every member of staff is genuine and caring, my daughters keyworker is attentive and considerate. Brilliant range of outdoor and indoor activities, lots of different themes and celebrations. Great setting for my child to gain confidence and have fun.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Keating 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From one childcare provider  to another I wanted  to say thank you for the great work you do. Working in the industry  I probably know too much, so was fussy when it came to choosing a setting for my then 2 yr old. She didn't  need a placement  as I run a childcare business, but I wanted her to make her own friends and meet other adults.  Wild days has been great for her. Her speech has improved and she loves it.  The setting is welcoming, warm, friendly and organised. Communication  is brilliant and the setting  is well resourced and ran. Staff are experienced and care.  Its not full of 16 yr olds!!! We love you WDL! Thank you.

Katie and Lottie xxx
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ebony J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All of my encounters with the staff members have been brilliant.
  
 
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   Neal Osgood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Emily our daughter loved her time at Forest school and absolutely flourished there! Every day she came home happy and exhausted from all the fun learning she had done. The staff are wonderful, and they absolutely adore the children they care for. We’re gutted it has to end because Emily is starting school. Can’t recommend Wild Days enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hugh Dichmont 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing. Couldn't recommend enough. Great staff, my son loves it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Keeble 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We visited many childcare settings in our search for the right fit for our daughter aged 2, and after only a few minutes visiting Wild Days Lodge and being greeted by the wonderful staff there, we knew it was the perfect place for her.  She thrives in the beautiful outdoor setting they provide, which is so carefully created by the staff team with passion to enable the children to be resilient, independent and curious through their play and exploration. We are so pleased that we chose Wild Days Lodge, it is a very special, warm and nurturing setting. Our daughter has the best experiences and opportunities thanks to all that the staff, and nature provide.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chie Hosaka 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wild Days Lodge is the best nursery/preschool/forest school in Nottingham run by superb, experienced and kind staffs. Our son loved it from the first ever visit and transitioned from his old nursery without any tears (which was a big differencefrom his past nursery experiences). He only has one more year there now and we wish he could go there forever! I recommend any parents who are keen for their children to experience fantastic care, to nurture thier love for nature, to build comfidence and resilience in a brilliant caring educational environment. Book your visit now! Thank you for all the staff who are so so so wonderful. Lots of love.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Wood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A wonderful and nurturing place for our little girl. She is challenged and kept safe and healthy. Well done everyone .....love it.
  
 
  
  
 
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Choosing the right Nursery in Nottingham

Wild Days Lodge is a lively and nurturing forest nursery Nottingham families choose for a solid early years foundation. Our team gives children a strong start through outdoor learning that feels real and engaging. We focus on building confidence, independence, and curiosity through everyday experiences. Children spend their days exploring, moving, and learning together, supported by an expert team that knows when to step in and when to let them figure things out. For parents searching for a warm and welcoming day nursery in Nottingham we offer reliable, year-round care built around each child.

We take a practical approach to early years education. At our forest nursery, children climb, dig, build, and problem-solve in all weather, developing physical skills, communication, and resilience along the way. Families choose Wild Days Lodge while looking for a Mapperley day nursery that feels different from typical nurseries in Nottingham. Our focus on outdoor learning and strong relationships gives children a solid foundation, making us a trusted option for day care in Nottingham and high-quality preschool education.

Confused about the difference between forest nursery and forest preschool? Our expert guide explains all the terms that parents need to know.