I'm Laura Gunn, and I founded Tiny Growers because I believe childhood should be wild, curious, and deeply connected to the natural world.

After more than a decade working in education, operations, and sustainability - including my current role leading sustainability at a global research publisher - I've seen firsthand how disconnected we've become from the environments that sustain us. I wanted to do something about that, starting with the youngest learners.

Why Forest School

Forest school isn't just outdoor play (though there's plenty of that). It's a pedagogy rooted in child-led exploration, risk-taking, and seasonal rhythms. Children learn by doing - building shelters, observing wildlife, understanding weather, discovering their own capabilities. They become creators, problem-solvers, and environmental stewards who see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.

My Approach

I practice attachment parenting with my own toddler. My educational philosophy? I'm Waldorf… but with academics. Montessori… but with magic. I pull from what works - the wonder and rhythm of Waldorf, the hands-on learning of Montessori, and a healthy respect for letting children actually learn things.

Children deserve time to be children: unhurried, unstructured, immersed in wonder. But they're also capable of so much more than we give them credit for.

Why Here, Why Now

I live in the Scottish Borders with my husband and young son. This landscape - forests, rivers, hills - is the perfect classroom. Our community deserves access to outdoor learning that nurtures resilience, curiosity, and connection to place.

Tiny Growers is still growing (naturally). If you're interested in forest school programming for your family or want to stay connected as we develop, I'd love to hear from you.