Mallards Pike Creative Walk in Nature for Preschool Children

Starting from the cafe we will walk around the lake exploring reflections, the various colours of autumn and create a nature collage.

This fully accessible walk follows a short, flat route rich in wildlife with lots of time to explore, imagine and play with other preschool families! Expect gentle walks with creative stops to paint with feathers, make bark rubbings or leaf frames, spot birds, go bug hunting or enjoy a little story time. Designed for Preschool Children Under 5, younger siblings welcome.

When: 28th October 2025, 9.45-11.15am

Where: Meet at the cafe at Mallard Pike Lake, Lydney GL15 4HD

Parking: Pay & Display car park £3.50 for 2hrs

Cost: Suggested donation of £2.50+ towards materials per person (adult or child)

Starting point: Main carpak cafe

Facilities: Public Toilets available with nearby cafe for post walk cuppa

Activities will include: Nature scavenger hunt and easy art prompts suitable for preschoolers under 5

Level: Fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Easy.

Ages: This event is aimed at children under 5 but is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult (please book 1 ticket for each participant ie 1 adult and 1 child would be 2 tickets). Younger siblings welcome.

NB This is not a drop off and leave activity, all children must be supervised by their parent/carer/guardian at all times.

Contact Number: 07793210142

What to expect: This is a 1 1/2 hour creative walk with lots of stops to respond to nature with activities aimed at preschool children.

What to wear: Participants should dress appropriately for the weather on the day and wear sturdy boots or walking boots/shoes, a waterproof/warm jacket and layers to keep warm or sunscreen and hat for warmer days .

What to bring: Snacks, drinks. Notebooks and art materials will be provided but if participants wish to bring any of their own that's fine. Try to be as ‘hands free’ as possible.

Path type: This walk is flat/easy and buggy friendly but can be muddy, please wear suitable walking boot/shoes.

Dogs: As this is a walk with very young children and it's ideal if you can be as hands free as possible it is advisable not to bring a dog.

About Canopy: We are a not-for-profit organisation. Tickets are by donation. All proceeds go towards funding for our activities and events, cultivating creative communities throughout the Forest of Dean.

Your Canopy leader: This is a walk designed and guided by Krysa who moved to the Forest of Dean 4 years ago and has since become a mother of two under three. She’s an early years practitioner who is passionate about outdoor education and the environment. She is often found with a camera around her neck or a pencil in hand.

About the Creative Walks programme: Canopy Creative Walks nurture connection, creative thinking and mental wellbeing through a combination of time outdoors, gentle exercise and social interaction. They are open to everyone. The routes are relatively short, the emphasis being on the journey taken rather than the destination. They follow a process of looking, listening, responding individually and collectively and sharing time together. Each walk is carefully researched, uniquely designed and guided by the leader/artist. Participants are encouraged to stop to observe, record, photograph, listen or consider a particular feature. Numerous approaches are offered to enable individuals to make a personal response visually or in words. The aim is to demonstrate various creative starting points which can be developed by participants later. At the end of the walk we share work, ideas and a coffee/sandwich at a nearby café for anyone interested in joining.

Find out more about Canopy: https://canopynetwork.co.uk/

Important information: By attending this event, attendees acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for their own health, safety and wellbeing during the event. The hosting organisation assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, illnesses or damages that may occur before, during or after the event.