ABOUT US
Nature Plays is South Africa’s first forest school, founded in 2018 by Pamela Martinez. We’re an outdoor-based playgroup and educational program based in Cape Town.
We believe the best way to support childhood development is by letting kids explore, play, and learn in nature.
- Forest School is an internationally recognised outdoor educational approach to learning. The concept originated in Scandinavia and was founded in the UK, where Pamela also acquired her training. This methodology has been adopted by schools, early years settings, and environmental projects.
- The Forest School approach involves the whole child: heart, body, mind, and soul.
- We develop self-confidence, resilience, and creative thinking while spending time outdoors, by establishing a strong connection to nature
- Through fun, nature-based activities and learning experiences children acquire skills and develop holistically; socially and emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually.
MEET OUR TEAM
We’re a small team of passionate educators who believe in the positive impact a nature-based and play-led education can have on the wellbeing and development of our future’s children.
Pamela Martinez
Director & Forest School Practitioner
Hi, I’m Pamela. My journey with nature education began in the mountains of Peru, where I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. As an anthropologist, I’ve always been fascinated by how culture shapes human development, and this curiosity led me to discover the profound connection between children, nature, and learning when I moved to South Africa with my family.
Inspired by the transformative potential of outdoor education, I pursued forest school training in the UK. This experience, combined with my studies in children’s mindfulness and nature therapy, has shaped my understanding of how natural environments nurture essential life skills. Through years of guiding children in outdoor exploration, I’ve witnessed firsthand how unstructured play in nature develops resilience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities – skills that are increasingly vital yet often overlooked in traditional education systems.
As a mother of two adventurous boys and an avid hiker, I understand both professionally and personally the urgent need for children to connect with nature. In our rapidly changing world, forest school offers children what they need most: the freedom to explore, the space to discover their interests, and the opportunity to build confidence through authentic experiences.
I’m passionate about creating these transformative outdoor learning experiences, where children can develop the emotional intelligence, environmental awareness, and practical skills they’ll need to thrive.
I look forward to sharing the forest school way with you!
Our Forest House Crew
These are our beautiful educators who take care of our 3-5 year olds during our daily Forest House playgroup.
Robyn Fortuin
Forest House Educator
Hello, I’m Robin, a Cape Town native and lover of sea, mountains, movement, play, and dance.
I’m passionate about creating spaces where children can explore and embody their truest selves. With a background in accounting and an international post-graduate degree in Education, I combine attention to detail with experience in multicultural early years education and mindfulness.
As a yoga teacher and student, I bring a holistic approach to nurturing children’s development, learning alongside them through nature’s wisdom.
Julie Metz
Forest House Educator
“I’m Julie, an outdoor educator trained in adventure-based learning in Germany.
I believe nature is the best classroom for our next generation, and I’m passionate about creating spaces for explorative development through play.
As both an educator and musician, I combine my love for the outdoors with music, helping children build meaningful connections with our natural world while nurturing their creativity and growth.
Isabella Hulme
Educator
Growing up between mountain and sea has gifted me with a deep love for nature that I’m passionate about sharing with children.
I believe that fostering their connection with the natural world is crucial for developing future earth-conscious leaders.
With a background in Sociology and Early Childhood Development, focusing on the Reggio Emilia approach, I combine my training as a community art facilitator with outdoor education experience from both South Africa and abroad to create enriching learning spaces
Our Sessions & Trail Team
Meet the magical facilitators who guide our sessions for 2-5 year olds and 5 -10 year olds run weekly in Constantia and Vredehoek.
Emile Naude
Facilitator
I am Emile Naude and I live for the great outdoors. Having worked extensively in education over the last ten years, I like to combine my interests and experiences into the learning journey.
My vocation has taken me across the world and has allowed me to experience non-western culture, especially in education.
Music and art are very much at the core of my approach to teaching and the principles allow an organic, natural way to facilitate child-led nature based education.
Eve Gütter
Facilitator
Hi all, I’m Eve, a performing artist, permaculture designer, kids yoga teacher and a music teacher with a decade of teaching experience.
As a facilitator I embody my in-depth yoga, martial arts, mindful movement practices, and I use music and play as a tool to share knowledge efficiently and joyfully.
I’m also deeply passionate and inspired by nature on every level. I’m curiously cultivating an educational ecosystem using music, movement and creativity to inspire eco-consciousness to actively fuel connection, expansion and awareness in a playful way.
Engracia Mc Tavish Assistant Facilitator & Admin Support
Hello! I’m Engracia, dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences that connect people with Nature.
My background in Sustainable Development taught me how education can foster essential skills like empathy and critical thinking. As an assistant facilitator at our forest school, I combine my love for nature-based teaching with administrative duties, including running forest school birthday parties.
I believe Nature is our greatest teacher, offering profound lessons in resilience and interconnectedness.
Behind the Scenes
Andrèa Fedder
Content Creation & Marketing
I’m a creative strategist whose work spans motion picture production, writing, web & graphic design, and fine arts. My deepest inspiration comes from nature’s symmetry and seasons, shaped by a childhood in forests and mountains. At Nature Plays Forest School, I lead marketing strategy and content creation as a creative consultant, crafting stories that help shape the ‘re-Generation’ – children who grow up in harmony with nature.
Our Holiday Club Support Crew
Meet the wonderful souls who assist in our termly holiday clubs.
Salma Francis Adams
I’m a student studying Visual Communications at Red & Yellow. Aside from my creative background, I have a deep love for children and a passion for their growth.
With a strong appreciation for nature and the importance of free play, I am inspired by initiatives like Nature Plays, which bring back the essence of childhood exploration. Working with Nature Plays has been a deeply fulfilling experience, teaching me invaluable lessons – often from the kids themselves.
Jessica Piper
I’m Jess, a fourth-year Foundation Phase teaching student at Stellenbosch University. Working with children has always been my calling—I’m a kid at heart who finds true joy in their company.
I believe deeply in nature’s power as a teacher. The outdoor learning environment offers young learners unique opportunities to explore and develop their curiosity. Every day in the forest school setting allows me to guide children as they build both a love for learning and a meaningful connection to the natural world around them.
Kyla Norris
I’m Kyla, focused on fostering joy in others through nature connection and free play.
With a background in Biotechnology, I found my true calling in helping children discover themselves through exploration.
I practice what I teach through laughter yoga, Secret Sunrise sessions, and community garden volunteering
