Nature Nursery in Colchester announces it is closing

Parent Joanna Dodd said she chose the Nature Nursery because it was "child-led"

An "outstanding" nursery which combines nature with learning has announced it is closing due to financial and ecological challenges.

Nature Nursery in Colchester was opened by Essex Wildlife Trust in 2021.

In a statement the nursery, which was rated "outstanding" by Ofsted, said it faced "insurmountable challenges" and would need to "invest significant new funds" to continue.

The nursery said it would be closing on 8 March.

Lydia Butterfield, who has a daughter at the nursery, said she felt like she was grieving

Lydia Butterfield has a two-year-old daughter at the nursery.

"I think I was solely devastated, I feel like I am grieving the loss of this nursery," she told the BBC.

"I feel devastated for the children and for the staff that put their soul into it - they truly believe in the ethos of the nursery."

Joanna Dodd, whose three-year-old son attends the nursery, said: "It was a shock for everyone, no-one had any idea this was coming.

"I was shocked and disappointed because there really is no other nursery like Nature Nursery anywhere. It is one of its kind."

'Out of the blue'

Ms Dodd and Ms Butterfield told the BBC that parents were willing to fundraise, volunteer or pay additional fees to help the nursery, but said they felt "disappointed" that a decision had been taken before asking parents if they could assist.

"We just wish that we had been involved so that we could have offered our help," Ms Dodd said.

"It's come out of the blue - we've heard none of these problems being spoken about," Ms Butterfield added.

Essex Wildlife Trust said in a statement that it was closing the Nature Nursery "with a heavy heart".

As well as financial pressures, the trust outlined several environmental issues, such as the impact of extreme weather conditions on the site, which is based on hard Essex clay.

The trust apologised to those affected by the closure, adding: "we would have liked to have provided advanced notice, but this is unfortunately not operationally possible".

It thanked families, parents, carers and staff for their support.