Children's nature group 'devastated' at thefts

Elizabeth has been attending sessions with her daughter Harriet for more than two years

Thieves have targeted a children's nature playgroup in Nottinghamshire and stolen hundreds of pounds worth of equipment, according to staff.

Two new tarpaulin shelters, two hammocks and a security camera, totalling about £250, were all taken from Nature Tots in Newthorpe, near Nottingham, between 28 April and 1 May.

Emily Wilson, founder and owner of the stay and play group, said it had left her feeling "unsafe in her workplace" while parents said the thefts have spoilt the sessions for their children.

Nature Tots provides specialist outdoor education activities in a secluded forest area for children aged from six months to five years old, up to three times a week.

Ms Wilson said it was a huge blow to staff, parents and children and called the theft a "violation of privacy and trust".

"I'm just devastated. How can someone just come into a space for families that's meant to be safe and somewhere that we learn and develop? Someone has violated that privacy," she said.

Ms Wilson set up the group three years ago following a career in teaching and said she did not feel safe in the workplace as a result of the theft.

"It just worries us to think that they might come back and take something else," she sad.

"We had a camera set up which was also taken so we have no idea who it could be."

Two tarpaulin shelters were stolen along with two hammocks and a security camera

Parents of the toddlers who regularly attend the sessions said it was a "sad state of affairs" when thieves target a playgroup.

Elizabeth brings her two-year-old daughter Harriet to the sessions and said she was really disappointed.

"Someone has come here to the middle of nowhere, scoped the area out and taken these things," the 30-year old said.

"It's not even like they stumbled upon it, it was calculated and that's what makes it worse.

"It's for little kids and the fact that someone has taken away something that is for toddlers is just really sad."

A security camera similar to the one pictured above was also stolen, leaving staff unable to identify the thieves

Session leader Jess Hope said the tarpaulin shelters provided important cover for the children and acted as a quiet area.

"Even though we like being outside, there are times when you need that bit of shelter for the kids to get out of the elements that comes with being outdoors," she said.

The 33-year-old mother-of-three said the group cannot afford to keep buying replacement equipment but also cannot stop it from being stolen.

"They are expensive," she said. "We have to leave them there because they take time to put up before and after each session.

"There's also the safety issue of assembling them securely which makes it tricky."