Alaria CIC

A community interest company offering therapeutic support for children, young people and families.
(1)

Play therapy, outdoor therapeutic experiences, alternative education, animal-assisted therapy, training and workshops for parents and professionals.

04/06/2026

Traffic jam at Alaria this morning!
Canada geese with their gosling, greylag geese, and a wee rabbit all heading along the track together.
We were happy to wait. ❤️

20/05/2026

If you could do with some time to step into nature and unwind, our Adult Forest School session for ages 16+ is on tomorrow (Thursday 20th May), 10am–12pm, and there’s something very lovely about being outdoors when the weather might be a bit drizzly – especially when there’s a warm fire hut to retreat to.

We’ll have space for a gentle wander by the reservoir, time to slow down, chat, potter, visit the guinea pigs, and perhaps try a bit of fire-lighting, use the Kelly kettle, toast a marshmallow, or make something simple in our wee haybarn crafting area.

No pressure to walk far. No pressure to be outdoors the whole time. No pressure to be crafty. No pressure to be sociable. Just come as you are.

Pay what you can (min £5). Hot drinks included (tea, coffee, hot chocolate). Tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/adult-forest-school-session-3

19/05/2026

This morning the weather was properly wet and windy, so we dipped in and out of the warm as the children needed – with plenty of quality piggy-time, cosy chats, and American pancakes cooked over the fire.

One of the things we value most is helping children listen to their own bodies and needs. Sometimes that means climbing trees in the rain or pretending to be a Canada goose in the reservoir. Sometimes it means warming your hands by the fire while waiting for pancakes to cook and guinea pigs to say hello 🐹🥞🔥

There’s no “right” way to do a session here – just space to be human together.

18/05/2026

Becoming a piggy platter 😁🌿

17/05/2026

Yesterday’s groups saw all sorts of spontaneous, child-led learning unfold 😊

There was genuine curiosity and careful observation as children explored the life growing in the water trough, spotting tiny creatures and asking brilliant questions about what they’d found. There were teamwork negotiations, strategy and a lot of laughter during an entirely unplanned water-blaster battle (poor Roger never saw it coming 😁). And, of course, there were airborne children – because sometimes joy looks like being swung round in circles on a big open lawn.

We don’t force magic at Alaria. We create the conditions where children feel safe, free and connected enough for it to emerge naturally. Sometimes that looks calm and reflective. Sometimes it looks loud, muddy, soaking wet and full of giggles. All of it matters.

16/05/2026

🩷🌿 What a fun (and very wet) Friday!

We made the most of it with slip-and-slide runs down the big hill, followed by an epic kid vs adult water fight. Lots of laughter, chaos, and completely soaked clothes all round. I think there were definitely some early bedtimes afterwards — I know I was ready for one!

In between all the madness, we still found time for some quieter moments — a bit of calm looking out over the reservoir, and some great teamwork helping each other on the slack line.

A perfect mix of fun, laughter, and a few peaceful pauses in between 🌧️😊

10/05/2026

After-school Forest School starts this Thursday, 4pm-5.15pm🌿

For children who need space to move, breathe, play and feel more like themselves after a busy school day.

Our after-school group is small, nurturing and child-led – with time for den building, animal care, mud kitchen play, fire pit snacks, nature crafts, games, quiet moments and whatever else the children’s imaginations bring.

Some children arrive full of energy. Some arrive tired or a bit wobbly. Both are welcome.

At Alaria, there’s no pressure to perform, join in perfectly or be “good at” anything. Children are supported to follow their own interests, build confidence, connect with others and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors.

📍 Alaria CIC, beside Glengavel Reservoir
🌿 Starts this Thursday
🗓️ 6-week block
💛 £15 per week by direct debit
🌱 Small group – supportive, neuro-affirming and nature-based

Book here: https://goteamup.com/p/11113452-alaria-cic/courses/134119/

06/05/2026

We do things a little differently at Alaria.

This might be our favourite photo from yesterday’s group.

Because if you want to sit on a stool in the reservoir… then we’re here for that.

Child-led doesn’t tend to look neat or sensible. Sometimes it looks like this – wet feet, big smiles, and doing things your own way.

If Carlsberg made school… we reckon it might look a bit like our forest school 😁

05/05/2026

We're ready for you, Tuesday group. Muffins freshly out of the oven 💕

02/05/2026

A slightly slower-paced Friday for our group this week 🌿

Fiona got a full “glow up” 🤣 — though it definitely took her a while to scrub all that green off!

We had loads of fun playing “Survivors and Zombies,” with the group working together to build their own base 🏕️

There was also some unexpected entertainment as we became spectators to a wrestling match… and to finish things off, a relaxing bit of fishing 🎣🐟

Looking forward to seeing everyone next week for some water games 👀👀

Address

Alaria CIC
Strathaven
ML106RF

Website

https://www.alaria.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Alaria CIC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Alaria CIC:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Strathaven?