About
Emma founded Wild Things 10 years ago, inspired by her lifelong love of the outdoors. From an early age, she could be found in the back garden digging for worms, exploring the beach, or out at sea in the family fishing boat. Wild Things embodies her sense of adventure and deep appreciation for nature.
After teaching primary school children in London and managing Children’s Centres in Yorkshire, Emma decided it was time to channel her experiences and passion for the outdoors into Wild Things.
Emma lives in York with her husband, Graham, their two teenage sons, and their faithful lab, Hettie. When she’s not at Wild Things, you can find her walking Hettie, cheering on her boys from the sidelines, enjoying live music, wild swimming or sharing a glass of wine with friends and family.
Our ethos
Wild Things is based in York and is passionate about getting people outdoors to explore, be present, and embrace their wild side! Our sessions are not just for young children; we also offer one-off events for students and adults.
During our sessions, we connect people with nature through activities like making mud pies and stone soup, creating wreaths from seasonal foliage, and searching for woodland treasures to use in nature crafts.
We believe that connecting with nature offers immense benefits. It encourages mindfulness, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of insects, plants, and trees. Being grounded in nature helps people navigate the outdoors, take managed risks—whether it's lighting a fire, climbing, or balancing on an obstacle course—and develop resilience, especially when facing different weather conditions. For children, outdoor play enhances both fine and gross motor skills.
We take pride in offering inclusive and friendly sessions and events. Whether you join us alone or with friends, you'll be warmly welcomed.
