MAKI Pups, ACT's Outdoor Nursery celebrated its fifth anniversary on Tuesday 24 February, 2026 with an open afternoon at Kilmory Walled Garden in Lochgilphead. 

Families past and present, partners, supporters and early years colleagues dropped in throughout the afternoon to mark five years of outdoor learning in Mid Argyll. It was a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate how far MAKI Pups has come since those early days.

Five years ago, MAKI Pups began as an idea: to create an outdoor nursery where children could learn and explore outside every day, through all seasons. In the early iteration of the site, bell tents provided flexible shelter as the team established routines and built confidence in an outdoor setting.

       

Since then, MAKI Pups has developed into a well-established early years provision at Kilmory Walled Garden. Alongside funded Early Learning and Childcare, it now includes Mini Pups playgroup for children aged 0–3, after-school care and holiday clubs.

During the anniversary event, visitors were invited to look around the site, meet the team and share memories from over the years. From toddlers taking their first steps in waterproofs at Mini Pups to older children attending after-school and holiday clubs, many families reflected on the role MAKI Pups has played in their lives.

         

The afternoon also provided space for people to share ideas and reflections as MAKI Pups looks ahead to its next chapter.

Erin Kennedy, Nursery Manager at MAKI Pups, said:

“Reaching five years feels like an important moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from families, staff and the wider community. It was lovely to welcome so many people back to celebrate with us.”

Interest in MAKI Pups has remained strong, with recent registration demand reflecting continued enthusiasm for outdoor early years provision in Mid Argyll.

As MAKI Pups moves into its sixth year, the focus remains the same: giving children time and space outdoors to explore, build confidence and develop a lasting connection to nature.

Read more about MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery