About Auchlone Nature Kindergarten
Scotland’s original nature kindergarten — built around the child, not the classroom.
Auchlone Nature Kindergarten is an award-winning outdoor nursery where children learn, play, and thrive in nature — all year round, in all weathers.
We’re not just a nursery with a nice outdoor space. We’re a nursery completely embedded in nature.
Our children spend their days immersed in woodland, and other outdoor spaces that offer endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and growth.
We believe children are capable, curious, and full of ideas. That’s why our team works alongside them, listening closely, responding to their interests, and planning learning together.
Why Auchlone Exists
Auchlone was founded to offer a different kind of early years experience — one that gives children space to be themselves, time to explore deeply, and freedom to learn in their own way.
Our pedagogy is based on child-led learning, inquiry through play, and the belief that nature is the most powerful teacher of all. We learn in, with, from and about the natural world which ultimately supports children to make choices that consider the rights of the natural world as they grow up.
We follow the Early Level Curriculum for Excellence, but we do it through hands-on, real-world experiences like den building, fire building, mud play, storytelling, problem-solving, and reflection.
Our aim is simple:
To give all children a strong, confident start to life by trusting their ideas and supporting their voice.
Founded by Dr Claire Warden
Auchlone was founded by Dr Claire Warden, one of the world’s leading voices in nature-based, child-led education.
Claire is the creator of the Floorbook Approach™ and has spent over 35 years supporting early years practice across the globe. Her vision to plan with children and for them is at the heart of everything we do.
Awards & Recognition
We’re proud of our multi-award-winning status, and of being recognised both nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in outdoor early years education.
Over the years, Auchlone has been celebrated for its commitment to high-quality, child-led learning in nature:
Winner – NMT Nursery Awards
- Best Outdoor Learning Environment – 2016 & 2019
- Finalist – 2017
Bronze – Woodland Trust Green Tree Schools Award
Awarded for our ongoing commitment to outdoor learning and sustainability
- Runner-up – National Nursery Recognition Awards 2020
- Best Outdoor Learning Environment
Our practice is often shared as a model for other settings across the UK and beyond — but what matters most to us is the daily experience of our children.
“We chose Auchlone Nature Kindergarten because they demonstrated a high quality outdoor living classroom that inspires and excites children. The children were very much involved in decision-making and planning. Overall, the nursery provides fantastic life skill opportunities that the children can use with confidence.”
— NMT Award Judges
Enquire Now
If you’re looking for a setting that trusts children, values their voice, and lets them grow through real play in real nature — we’d love to talk to you.