A brand-new “forest” nursery is set to open near Stogumber Cricket Club in rural Somerset, offering local children a unique early years education rooted in nature. The Lille and Wild pre-school, run by sisters Rebecca and Victoria Moore, received planning approval this week and aims to welcome children shortly after Christmas 2026.
The nursery will be housed in a 30-square-metre log cabin with an all-weather veranda, located adjacent to the cricket pitch and pavilion on the eastern edge of Stogumber village. It will cater to up to 20 children aged from three months to five years, providing care during term times as well as holiday clubs. Four staff members will be employed to support children’s learning and well-being.
Serving a catchment area encompassing several small villages, including Bicknoller, Crowcombe, Lydeard St Lawrence, and Monksilver, the nursery offers a valuable childcare resource in a community currently lacking group childcare options. The site’s design has been praised for complementing the rural setting without impacting the cricket club’s facilities or ambience.
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Planning officer Denise Todd noted the development respects the local landscape, and the project benefited from strong community support. Stogumber Primary School, the Parish Council, and local representatives championed the nursery during the planning process. The Moores also acknowledged the efforts of planning officer Karen Wray for expediting approval.
In preparation for opening, Lille and Wild is now recruiting a dedicated childminder. Candidates should be passionate about child-led learning and outdoor play, as the nursery’s ethos centers on exploration, creativity, and connecting with nature. The position requires working 21 to 32 hours weekly, Monday through Thursday, for 44 weeks annually.
This forest nursery promises a nurturing environment where children can thrive through real-world experiences, gaining early education in the heart of Somerset’s beautiful countryside.