Botley Bridges: At the Heart of Our Community

Botley Bridges is a community-focused charity based in Botley, Oxfordshire, dedicated to supporting families and the upbringing of children up to the age of 11 in Botley and the surrounding areas of Cumnor, North Hinksey, and West Oxford. The charity provides a variety of services and activities designed to create a supportive community network for local families.
 

Their offerings include weekly "Stay and Play" sessions, "Buggy Walks," "Stay & Sing," "Baby Play & Learn," and "Forest Stay & Play." In addition to these regular activities, Botley Bridges also runs courses for parents and carers, such as "Baby & Child First Aid," "Baby Massage," and parenting courses.
 

The charity is funded through grants and donations and operates in various community spaces, including the former Elm's Road Children's Centre at Botley School and Seacourt Hall.

Discover the Magic of Our Woodland!

Botley Bridges' "Forest Stay & Play" sessions are a fantastic opportunity for families with children of all ages to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. These sessions are held once a term on a Saturday morning from 10 am to 2 pm in the woodland area at Botley School, and occasionally at Raleigh Park.
 

The sessions are designed to encourage children's physical health and mental well-being by providing a space for them to explore the natural environment. Children can thrive by engaging in activities such as kicking leaves, splashing in puddles, making mud pies, and balancing on logs.

From Campfire Cooking to Den Building: What Adventures Await?

A variety of exciting activities are offered during the "Forest Stay & Play," including:

• Cooking over a campfire, with past treats including pancakes, marshmallows, and bread.

• Building dens.

• Creating forest crafts, such as making bird feeders, natural dyes from leaves, and wind chimes.

• Hunting for woodland creatures and minibeasts.
   

These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, play, and grow in a natural setting.