Little Muddy Boots was established in 2014 to enable more kids to connect with nature, in a safe and stimulating outdoor environment.
In 2014, a National Trust survey revealed that the majority of children play outside for less than an hour a day, less than a third of the time enjoyed by their grandparents’ generation.
For the last 6 years, we have been running successful classes that help children lean more about the natural world, from the plants they can grow to the wildlife that is on our doorsteps.
In 2020, the COVID-19 virus hit the UK and, all of a sudden, being able to play outside in your back garden became a vital part of home learning.
Our classes and our online club aims to inspire children’s parents/caregivers with many games, activities and resources that can be used in their own gardens or on the next nature walk.
Hannah Brewer (Founder)
(Bsc Psychology, Dip Garden Design, Forest School Leader, DBS checked & first aid trained)
Hello, I’m Hannah – Group Leader and Founder of Little Muddy Boots.
As a garden designer, forest school leader and most importantly a mum of 3 lively children, I have found first hand that there is so much to be gained from kids playing and learning together outside. It’s a chance for them to fill their lungs with fresh air, enjoy the natural daylight (that’s full of vitamin D), and to boost their mood and ability to sleep at night. Another key reason I created Little Muddy Boots, is to create opportunities for children to spend quality time with their parents, siblings and friends. Our garden space offers an inviting, exciting space to explore and learn about the great outdoors.
Meet the Team
Most days you’ll find me splitting my time between caring for my two girls, battling my way through house work, enjoying afternoons of baking in my kitchen and supporting my girls in their after school dance competitions.
I work at both Little Muddy Boots and a local Preschool, where my role allows me to pursue my passion in early years education. I’ve spent my entire working life in a variety of childcare/ educational roles working in schools, preschools, as a sports/ swimming coach and as a childminder. It’s given me a wealth of experience and I love being outdoors exploring and marvelling at what nature has to offer; it’s the perfect classroom. I feel honoured to be part of the global movement to encourage the next generation to love and care for our planet.
After 30 years in the Motor Trade, the birth of our son made me take the drastic but important decision to give up work and become a full time Daddy.
Initially, my wife and I took 9 months joint maternity leave together and travelled around the UK with our wonderfully portable baby. He witnessed his first Golden Eagles, White Tailed Eagles, Ospreys, Crested Tits, Puffins and Otters all before he was 12 weeks old!
After those initial months, my wife returned to her career as a vet and I took on the role of caring for our son and further broadening his experiences…and I loved it!
Meeting NCT friends for coffee, attending baby and toddler classes and visiting wildlife reserves became a normal way to spend our time. It was a wonderful experience and I felt honoured to be accepted as an ‘honorary mum’.
It was during this time that I first experienced Little Muddy Boots and the thought of toddlers learning about the natural world and being creative in nature, in a safe friendly un-pressured setting, was music to my ears.
My son loved the classes and I discovered that I find it very rewarding and engaging to work with children and build their confidence in playing and learning outdoors.
