Toddlers’ forest ban

The National Trust has come under fire for evicting a forest playgroup from its land despite running a campaign to get more children outdoors. Forest Kindergarten has been operating in the charity’s woodland near Sevenoaks, Kent, since 2014 and is rated outstanding by Ofsted. It allows children aged three to five to roam the area. But playgroup bosses have said they are baffled to learn the trust would not renew its annual £1,500 licence to operate in the Site of Special Scientific Interest amid fears the presence of children is affecting ancient trees and wildlife. A petition is now demanding the National Trust perform a U-turn.