Growing Places at Little Acorns celebrates 10 years of community after transforming former paddock

Ten years ago a community hub and outdoor learning site was established after a former paddock was transformed into a thriving oasis for local children and families.

Growing Places at Little Acorns, in Wickham, will officially celebrate a decade since joining the Growing Places family in August 2016 on September 5 with a community event.

When Growing Places first acquired the land a decade ago, the site consisted of stables and an empty paddock of 2.5 acres. Over the years, the space has been completely transformed and it now boasts converted stables, office space and tailored outdoor areas designed to support children’s development.

A central feature of Little Acorns childcare is its resident family of animals including chickens, sheep, donkeys, and goats. Children share the space freely with the animals and learn vital life lessons in responsibility, kindness, and compassion through daily care, and interaction.

In addition to supporting Growing Places nurseries, holiday club and alternative provision, Little Acorns has become a core fixture of the local community, hosting seasonal events, charity fundraisers, camping weekends, student placements, and volunteer days.

Dedicated parent volunteers have also contributed countless hours of hard work to maintain and develop the grounds, embedding a strong community ethos into the heart of the project and making Little Acorns the special place it is today.

To mark the milestone, the organisation is inviting past and present families, volunteers and members of the public to join the festivities between 1pm and 5pm.

Growing Places, which launched in 2001, is a charitable childcare provider in Hampshire that was established to support the community and families.