The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is excited to launch new programmes specially designed for nursery-aged children, giving little learners a hands-on opportunity to explore the nature and wildlife of the river corridor.
Available all year round, our 1½-hour interactive visit takes place at the Visitor Centre and riverside where the young ones can – in a fun and age-appropriate way – discover topics such as Weather & Water, Woodlands, Plants & Animals on the Water of Leith, and Looking after Our World (litter & recycling). These sessions are tailored to meet the learning outcomes of the Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring that early years education is supported. NURSERY
From November to April, we also offer our Winter Outreach Programme: a classroom visit at your nursery (or longer walk to the river when practical) to keep children engaging with nature even in the colder months. From simple interactive activities to exploring the river near the school, this extended offer keeps nature connection alive year-round.
We also make life easy for nursery groups: you’re welcome to use the classroom at the Visitor Centre for a snack break or lunch during the visit.
Why get involved?
- It brings nature, wildlife and environmental awareness into the early years in a meaningful way.
- Children get a memorable experience outside the usual classroom walls — exploring woodlands, riverside, and more.
- The programmes support national curriculum outcomes and encourage curiosity, observation, and care for the environment from an early age.
- Year-round options mean you can plan visits in autumn, winter, spring or summer, with age-suitable content and activities.
Costs & Booking
Each of the all-year programmes is charged at £5 per child, offering good value for a specialist outdoor learning experience. The Winter Outreach visits are offered at £25 for a classroom session, or £35 if you include a river walk.
To find out more or to book a session, please contact our Outdoor Learning Officer, Ruth Prince, or Laura, our Outdoor Learning Assistant at 0131 455 7367 or email [email protected].
Let’s give our youngest learners the chance to connect with the river, the woodlands and the wild world around them — a wonderful start to a lifelong curiosity in nature.