by Carla Caruso

A nature-based playgroup has launched in your Adelaide Park Lands, helping kids to connect with the environment through fun activities and unstructured play.

Fresh Sprouts founder Izzy Pearce - a yoga teacher, performing artist, and art therapist - is behind the initiative. We spoke to her about why the playgroup is much-needed in the city.

Hi, Izzy (pictured above). Please tell us how your nature playgroup - alongside Marshmallow Playground in Pelzer Park / Pityarilla (Park 19) - got started.

Since I welcomed my baby, Fern, into the world in 2020, I have been inspired to provide nourishing and engaging experiences for little people, parents, and carers.

I am the co-founder of Mâché Wellbeing Studio on Pulteney Street on the edge of the CBD, and we run lots of ‘mums and bubs’ and playgroup classes, including fitness, yoga, and music.

I am deeply passionate about the environment, and after searching for nature playgroups in the CBD and neighbouring suburbs, I couldn’t find any that ran regular sessions.

There are wonderful communities in the Adelaide Hills that run nature play activities, but I felt it was so important to have another option for families.

We launched in February and hold sessions every Monday, from 10.30am to 11.30am, in the incredible Marshmallow Park / Pityarilla (next to the playground, over the bridge - look out for the flags!).

*Izzy leads a nature playgroup session alongside Marshmallow Playground.*

How is a nature playgroup different from an ordinary playgroup?

Our nature playgroup sessions are designed for older bubs, toddlers, pre-schoolers, parents and carers. They enable families to connect with nature in the fresh air, under the gum trees.

The sessions nurture growth, curiosity, and discovery. Nature play activities ignite the imagination and build new skills, confidence, and body awareness. Our program is grounded in community and sustainability.

We have buckets of fun, sing songs, read stories, forge friendships, and care for the environment. We mix up the activities each week, but some examples are painting, weaving, playdough, clay, mud kitchen, potions, water play, foraging … and more!

*The nature playgroup sessions are designed to nurture children’s growth, curiosity and discovery.*

Are the sessions only on during school terms?

Sessions are on Mondays, 10.30am to 11.30am, and run all year round, except for some holidays and in extreme weather conditions.

As this is our first time running this program, we will see how we go this winter and make any changes if needed.

All our pricing is on our website in more detail – www.mache.space. (Casual pass – $24; 10 x class pass – $200, can attend any of our classes on our schedule.)

Special thanks to the City of Adelaide for supporting the establishment of this program through a Community Impact Quick Response Grant. (In celebration, we are offering a 50 per cent discount to City of Adelaide residents – those residing in postcodes 5000 and 5006. *Conditions apply, email izzy@mache.space with proof of residence, and to receive a discount code.)

Why is it so important for kids to get out in nature?

Being outdoors in the fresh air does wonders for mental and physical health and awakens the imagination too!

The more time we spend in nature, with some gentle guidance, the more we respect the environment and the land we are on.