Meet our team

  • Nursery Practitioner

    Raised locally in the beautiful village of Ullapool I have fond memories from my childhood of playing freely outside, exploring with friends, climbing trees and sampling delights from the garden with my family. These lasting experiences have shaped my love of the outdoors. I feel strongly that outdoor education can be extremely effective, whether planned or spontaneous whilst also giving children ample time and space to learn and grow at their own pace, encouraging them to become more resilient, well rounded little people.

    I have worked as a qualified practitioner with children for the last 10 years, with a particular affinity for teaching early years. My passion for forming relationships with individuals and their families, developing their strengths and natural interests and watching them thrive is what drives my enthusiasm. 

  • Nursery Practitioner and Administrator

    I grew up in Highland Perthshire which is where my love for the outdoors all started. I have always been drawn to the hills, whether that be walking, running or cycling. In 2014, I swapped the hills for the sea when I met my now husband and moved to Coigach. We have three beautiful children and feel so fortunate to be raising them in such a special part of the world. We have a croft and, before starting Kinder Croft, most of my days were spent at our croft with my children. It is such a core part of our family life and has taught me so much about the benefits of being outdoors for children.

    I first heard about KinderCroft when I was exploring outdoor nursery settings for my own family. In raising my own children, it became clear that being outdoors was really important in their development, both emotionally and physically.  To see the wonder on their faces as they learn about a variety of things is so special.  

    As a mother, I have seen firsthand the importance of the early years and how supporting children at this stage, through child led learning, gives them a good strong foundation. To have the opportunity to develop a connection with nature in these early years is something they will hopefully carry with them forever. I believe Kindercroft is a very special place for children to learn and I count it a privilege to be a part of their journey.

  • Manager

    I was born and raised in the Highlands and then spent many years studying and working in Glasgow. I am delighted to be returning to the North and to have the opportunity to work at Kinder Croft.

    I am a qualified Primary Teacher and Forest School Leader and hold a Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders. Over the years, I have worked with a range of age groups and abilities in the outdoors, but my passion is facilitating child-led and nature based, learning through play.

    When provided with a safe and nurturing environment, children will follow their intrinsic motivation to play. Through this they develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, practical skills and also the confidence and resilience they will need to adapt to this ever-changing world.

    As adult educators I believe it is our role to provide children with the optimum environment for them to learn and I have repeatedly observed children flourish through spending quality time in a woodland setting. The natural world provides an ever changing and motivating backdrop where there is always something new to discover and explore! 

  • Nursery Practitioner

    I've been involved with Kinder Croft since its early beginnings and have been inspired by the loose-parts play, child-led, approach to learning at Kinder Croft. I have recently become qualified as an Early Years Practitioner and combine this role with my vocation as an artist. I especially enjoy working creatively with the children on site, and would like to develop this more within my practice.

    I am originally from Durness where much of my childhood was spent out and about on walks and adventures with my Mum and brother, looking for wildlife and learning about native plants, birds and animals. As children growing up, there was so much freedom and a feeling that the landscape around us was ours to discover and explore. 

    It is wonderful to be a part of Kinder Croft and to know that children local to Ullapool as well as my own children will be able to benefit from so much time exploring nature on their own terms and in turn learning more about themselves and the wider world.

  • Nursery Practitioner

    Working with children is my passion and I've had the privilege to have worked within the early childcare sector for over 11 years. As a qualified Forest School leader I have a love for outdoor learning with four years of forest school experience and knowledge.​

    I am enthusiastic to promote outdoor education and know first-hand how it helps to grow children's abilities in a fun way, whilst also letting them be children. I strongly believe that the best way to learn is through play.

  • Treasurer

    I've been involved with Kinder Croft from the very beginning, and it’s nestled in the forest where I live and grew up. As Treasurer and Bookkeeper, I bring my experience in social enterprises to support the nursery’s mission. With a background in running businesses, I focus on ensuring the financial health of the organisation while upholding its values of nature-based education and community connection.

    In my role, I work to secure the nursery’s long-term financial sustainability, so it can continue offering transformative outdoor learning experiences for generations to come.

Our Directors

At Kinder Croft, our board of directors plays an essential role in supporting the team’s work, and maintaining and developing the site. While the team brings expertise and experience in outdoor education and child development, some of our board members also have extensive knowledge in these areas, allowing them to provide informed guidance when needed.

Rather than directing the team, the board’s primary role is to respond to the team’s needs—ensuring they have the resources, advice, and support to deliver the best possible care to the children. This collaborative, responsive approach enables us to maintain a safe, enriching environment where children can grow, learn, and explore in nature. The board’s commitment ensures that the team has what they need to succeed, helping us continue to offer a high-quality, outdoor-focused learning experience.

Merlin Planterose

Founding Director

Dorian Braun

Director

Sam Planterose

Director

John Woods

Director

Charlotte Nunn

Director