naturebugsplaygroup@gmail.com
07929250570
About
Nature Bugs Playgroup
First, a little about me..
I’m Libby, I took over Nature Bugs in September 2024. I’ve been a regular fixture at Nature Bugs since joining my first session in November 2021, around the same time that COVID restrictions were easing. My eldest daughter had just turned 1, and at the time I hadn’t made a lot of friends down here - with kids or otherwise - having moved to Cornwall from London right before the pandemic hit. It was a strange time to move somewhere new and start a family - all the usual baby groups were on pause, and the few that were running didn’t really feel ‘me’.
I stumbled across Nature Bugs in a listings magazine and decided to join a session, because at the very least I’d be able to spend a morning in the beautiful greenhouse at Potager. To my delight, on the first day I met four other women with girls of a similar age to my own daughter, who I immediately clicked with. I had found my people! From there it snowballed, and I have made so many dear friends, as have my girls. Nature Bugs has been instrumental in helping me settle in down here, a sentiment I know I share with many other parents and carers, so when the time came for someone new to take over, I was first in line.
Our Philosophy
Heuristic play, craft, cookies and coffee
Since taking over, I’ve introduced a heuristic play philosophy aimed at promoting children's natural sense of curiosity, through playing with a wide variety of everyday objects as toys. By offering objects rather than traditional toys, heuristic play creates open-ended play opportunities that allow children to explore, learn and develop in a completely natural way. With a background in product design and a love of curious vintage objects, sourcing beautiful, interesting items that children will love to play with has become a passion.
As a creative person, I love preparing a weekly craft using natural materials or with a nature theme, which I road test with my girls ahead of each session. I really appreciate having something to do whilst getting to know new people as it’s a great way to strike up conversation. I also love the feeling of having accomplished something creative, no matter how simple or small, as those early years raising kids can sometimes feel like a never ending treadmill of unfinished jobs. Throw in some home baking and great coffee, and your morning is complete.