Little Gardeners Stay & Play (under 7s)

Please book one ticket for each family household group that is attending.

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Let your little ones play, explore, dig, create and connect with nature in a safe and stimulating outdoor setting.

• magnifying glasses
  
• mini gardening tools and watering cans
  
• a kids' raised bed for digging and growing food
  
• a dressing up box
  
• a mud kitchen
  
• wildlife pond
  
• loose parts for creative play
• friendly chickens
• a story den
• painting and craft activities

There are always hot drinks for the adults, snacks provided by Organix (and sometimes hot chocolate) for the children in our dry outdoor classroom space.

Dress for the weather and join us rain or shine, Thursdays during term time at 10.15am!

Please note we are a non-smoking, alcohol-free, no dogs site.

What is the aim of this group?

• To let children enjoy free play and make that important first connection with nature & growing food. We define play as "freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated”. The children choose what they want to do whilst you sit back, put ya feet up and have a cuppa!
• It may take some children a while to choose what they want to play with or how they want to play. Opting out of play and resting, chatting etc is fine!
• Adults are welcome to join in and support their own children but we do ask them to follow their child’s lead.
• If you'd like to learn more, please read The Playwork Primer - essential reading for all playmates!
  

How much does it cost?

• Little Gardeners is funded solely by supporter donations.
• There is a suggested donation of £5 per household group to cover costs.
• However, we would like the group to remain accessible to families on lower incomes. You may amend the donation amount to what you can afford.
• It is also possible to donate by cash/card on the day.
• Or join the Friends of Grounded to minimise processing fees and give regularly to our charity.

Can I turn up on the day without booking?

• Please do not come to the session If you haven't booked a ticket.
  
• Numbers are limited to ensure that there is space for everyone to play safely and enjoy their visit.
• Please book your space in advance and let us know if you can no longer make it.
• If there are no tickets left, please join the waiting list. You will be notified if there is a cancellation and a space comes up. These spaces are usually snapped up very quickly - if you weren't lucky enough to get one, then it means the group is sold out again.
  

What if I need to cancel?

• We are keen to keep this group free and we ask people to book ahead due to limited space in the garden.
• The downside of this is that it can book out very quickly and we often get no-shows.
• If something comes up and you can no longer make it, please tell us by replying to your booking confirmation email. Then we can let those families on the waiting list know that a space has come up. Thank you!
  
• We have a 'three strikes' policy, whereby if you do not show up for three sessions without emailing to cancel your place, then any remaining bookings that you have will be cancelled and made available to others.
• Unfortunately we are not able to refund any donations on cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event. If you cancel before this time, please let us know if you would like a) us to keep your donation to enable other low-income families to attend, b) your donation to be transferred to a future available date, or c) a refund to your account, minus processing fees.

Can I bring my dog(s)?

• We are a 'no dogs' site. Unfortunately this also applies very well-behaved ones too.
• We are a safe space for several adults and children with anxiety issues around dogs. Also we look after rescue chickens who are distressed by their presence.

Is there wheelchair access?

• The secret garden is wheelchair friendly although there are some uneven surfaces. Our WC is not wheelchair accessible. Please let us know whether you will need access to a wheelchair friendly toilet when you book.

Are there any water hazards?

• We have a medium sized wildlife pond. Children are supervised around this area and are encouraged to investigate the wildlife sensibly without causing harm. However there are no physical barriers to stop children jumping in, if they are really intent on it. Please bring a change of clothes if you think appropriate for your child!

Will there be any refreshments?

• Hot drinks and childrens' snacks will be available.

How will the session be affected by weather?

• The session will go ahead in most weather conditions. Children do not dissolve in the rain! Please look at the forecast and dress appropriately. If weather is predicted that poses a risk to our safety (e.g. very strong winds, thunderstorms or hail) then an email will be sent to ticket-holders confirming that the event has been canceled.
• If you don't have wet weather gear, we have a small supply of kids' wellies at the garden. For the full kit, contact the lovely folks at Bournemouth and Pooly Wellie Bank.

What are the garden guidelines?

The Secret Garden is a working garden where food is grown for low-income households in Boscombe. Please help your children to respect the plants, chickens, pond life and wildlife.

1. FOOD GROWING AREAS - Please do not pick food without permission, dig, or walk on the raised beds.
2. CHICKEN AREA - Children must be supervised by an adult volunteer.
3. WILDLIFE POND - Children must be supervised at all times. Please do not put anything in or take anything out, unless a member of the team is running a supervised pond-dipping session.

How do I get there and where can I park?

• If it's your first visit then please give yourself a bit of extra time to find us...
• We are tucked away in a corner of St Clements Churchyard, St Clements Road, Boscombe, BH1 4DJ.
• Our gate is in the churchyard. Walk towards the church along the path leading from Knole Road and our gate is on your right.
• Unfortunately there is no visitor parking allowed in the churchyard but there is some on-street parking available on Knole Road and the surrounding streets.

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