OUR MISSION
We believe that fostering a sense of love and reverence for nature in our children and future generations is one of greatest gifts we can offer.
Our Growing with Nature program blends play, storytelling and simple mindfulness practices that bring us closer to our children, community and to Mother Earth.
OUR STORY
Hi, I’m Lidia! In 2019, I started Big Scrub with the vision of sharing my love for nature play and nature pedagogy with families and educators across Australia. What began as a community nature playgroup in my own backyard quickly expanded to become one of Australia's first forest schools based in the Northern Rivers NSW. Fast forward a few years, we now call the beautiful Noosa hinterland home and our programs have expanded to reach far beyond our local community.
I am a fully qualified Forest School leader with certifications in therapeutic nature play, Restorative Storytelling™ and nature based mindfulness practises. I feel honoured to have worked with hundreds of families and children and my biggest love project to date has been the publication of my first book, Growing with Nature.
Mindful play
Play can become an opportunity to cultivate compassion, kindness and awareness. We only use resources that are natural, recycled and sustainable. Kind to little hands and to Mother Earth
A heartful community
We blend therapeutic play and Restorative Storytelling to create a peaceful and joyful environment where children feel loved, valued and emotionally supported every step of the way
Connecting to nature
Our programs are designed to nurture a deep connection to nature through play and storytelling and instil in our children a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility, no matter how young.