The Waterloo Foundation’s funding has enabled First 1000 Days, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s early years outdoor play programme, to continue running through summer 2026 while longer-term funding was secured.

The programme provides structured outdoor play sessions for very young children and their parents or carers, offering an inclusive and supportive environment for families, including those navigating neurodevelopmental differences. Since piloting the initiative in 2022, families have consistently described the sessions as transformative, providing opportunities for children to explore, regulate and learn at their own pace in the outdoors.

Parents regularly tell us how much the programme has improved their confidence, reduced isolation and helped them enjoy time outdoors with their children. The sessions also provide valuable opportunities for children to develop, explore nature and build confidence in a supportive environment.

First 1000 Days has been supporting families since 2022, helping children explore, develop and build confidence through play in the outdoors.
First 1000 Days has been supporting families since 2022, helping children explore, develop and build confidence through play in the outdoors. (PCNPA)

Abi Marriott, Funding Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Waterloo Foundation for supporting First 1000 Days and helping us keep this important programme running during a period of funding uncertainty.

“We’ve seen the difference these sessions make to children and families, and it has been an honour to support the brilliant team delivering the programme. Their dedication, care and commitment to the families they work with is clear in every session, and it’s fantastic to see how First 1000 Days continues to develop.

“Thank you to The Waterloo Foundation for helping make this work possible and for supporting families during such an important stage of their children’s development.”

The Trust is now excited about what comes next for First 1000 Days, with more news about the future of the programme to be announced very soon.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust remains committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of need, ability or postcode, has the opportunity to thrive in nature during their earliest years.