Located in the grounds of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Willow Den at the Falkirk Wheel (just off car park 4), offers a unique space amongst the birch woods for your little one to fall in love with the outdoors.
Our nursery is open for children from age 3 until they join primary school and we are also open to children up to the end of Primary 3 for after school and holiday clubs.
You are welcome to come and explore our site with your little one from age 18 months at our regular playgroup Wee Willows.
We are a funded partner provider to Falkirk Council so you can use some or all of your 1140 hours with us. We accept a wide range of childcare vouchers as well as Tax Free Childcare for payment of non-funded sessions or additional hours.
You’re bound to have questions…
We often get asked questions by parents interested in Willow Den, so here we’ve answered some of the most common questions to put your mind at ease.
- What is being at Outdoor Nursery like? (parents reveal all!)
- Why is Outdoor Nursery great for wee ones?
- What will happen when the weather is bad?
- Outdoor vs indoor – will my child learn as much at an outdoor nursery?
- How do we get started at Willow Den?
Check out the video below to get a feel for what life is like at Willow Den…
Used all your funded hours? You can buy more!
| Fees 2024/25 – from 1st August 2024 | Hours | Day Rate | Monthly Cost per day |
| Full Standard Day (Monday to Thursday) | 8.30 am – 4.30 pm | £53.75 | From £225 |
| Morning Only (Monday to Friday) | 8.30 am – 12.30 pm | £28.75 | From £120 |
Fees & Funding
We have Funded Partner status with Falkirk Council and offer full year (50 week) fully funded places. We have a number of term time place available. We can accommodate split placements (where you split your hours between Willow Den and another provider.)
Morning and evening wrap-around hours can be booked as a top up. Please speak to the nursery management team or contact FalkirkWheel@willowden.scot to discuss your needs.
Included:
- high tea/hot snacks, wipes and other incidentals
- waterproof clothing for children attending 2 or more sessions per week & available at significant reduction if attending less than 2 sessions per week
- 10% sibling discount for the eldest child (on any additional private hours booked)
Funded places available
***REGISTRATION OPEN FOR AUGUST 2025***
Registration is now open for funded places starting from August 2025. If you child was born between 1st March 2022 to 28 February 2023 they will be eligible for their funded place in 2025/26.
Come along to our Sign Up & See sessions running Monday and Friday mornings 10am to 12pm. Come and visit the setting and our team will help with registration.
Unable to make it? Complete the pre-registration form and our team will be in touch
Groups and Events
Forest Fridays
Open to all children aged 3 to Primary 3, these are flexible drop off sessions on Friday mornings which can either be booked as ad-hoc sessions (pending availability) or as part of your child’s weekly booking pattern.
Holiday clubs
Join one of our holiday clubs running across our outdoor nurseries during the school holidays. Drop-off sessions are available for children from the age of 3 up to the end of Primary 3.
We’ll spend our days in the fresh air learning in the great outdoors, and doing fun activities, making some delicious soup on the fire or cooking up magic in our mud kitchens!
Wee Willows Toddler Group
Come along with a grown up to join our new Wee Willows Toddler Group at our Willow Den at the Falkirk Wheel nursery weekly on Monday and Friday mornings
These sessions are perfect for 18 months to 3 years who love adventure, mud pies and exploring our natural world.
Use our dedicated bookings link above to chose a date and book in!
We have created a magical and creative woodland setting at Willow Den
From climbing frames to wooded trails, every corner of Willow Den is an invitation to adventure.
At Willow Den, play is the cornerstone of learning. Outdoor play encourages creativity, problem-solving, and physical development. Whether engaged in imaginative role-play or experimenting with natural materials, children are supported to follow their interests and explore at their own pace.
FAQ
You probably have lots more questions, and we would really like the chance to answer these.
We’ve compiled a handy list, to give you an idea of the Willow Den experience
Lime Road
Falkirk
FK1 4RS
0131 376 0080
Nursery Manager – 07940 146 078
CI registration number: CS2022000231
Opening Times:
Monday – Thursday 8am to 6pm;
Fridays 8am to 12.30
