Reclaiming Our Social Enterprise Spirit at Stramash
At Stramash, we’ve always believed that childhood belongs outdoors.
When we first set up as a group of outdoor nurseries in Scotland, it wasn’t just because we thought playing in the mud was fun (though we do). It was because we deeply believed that nature is where young children thrive. The rustle of leaves, the feel of rain on skin, the freedom to run, climb, and discover, this isn’t ‘just’ play. It’s learning, connection, and growth. It’s the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and care for the natural world.
But Stramash wasn’t just born out of a love for outdoor learning. We also chose to be a social enterprise and we did that for a reason.
A social enterprise is a business, yes, but one with a soul. It’s a way of doing business that places people and planet at its heart. Rather than maximising profit for shareholders, we reinvest any surplus back into our organisation, our staff, and our communities. It’s about using business as a force for good, and building something sustainable, not just financially, but ethically, socially, and ecologically.
When we founded Stramash, our values were clear: we wanted to create nurturing environments for children, meaningful employment for educators, and deeper connections with the communities we call home. In our early days, we ran local volunteer days, supported other causes doing good work, and looked for creative ways to make outdoor early years education more accessible to more families. This spirit of collaboration and generosity was part of our DNA.
But over the years, as we’ve grown and evolved, we’ll admit, we’ve become more of a social enterprise in name than in deed.
We’ve still done great work. We’ve still provided high-quality care and rich outdoor learning experiences for hundreds of children. But the extra layer, the community engagement, the volunteering, the sharing of time and resources beyond our own gates or individual nursery communities, has sometimes taken a back seat. Like many organisations, the pressures of funding, regulations, and just keeping up with day-to-day operations can make it hard to stay connected to the bigger picture.
That’s something we’re ready to change.
Under new leadership, we’re returning to our roots.
We’re reigniting that original purpose, to be more than nurseries. To be a movement. A community. A place where values live not just in words, but in action.
So, what will this look like?
- More community engagement projects: We’ll be opening our doors more often for events, gatherings, and collaborations with local groups.
- Volunteer days: Opportunities for families, friends, and locals to get involved, contribute, and feel a sense of shared ownership in what we do.
- Fundraisers for our organisation: Not because we’re struggling, but because fundraising is a beautiful way to bring people together around a common cause—and because sharing resources helps us grow stronger together.
- Paying it forward: We’ll be actively looking for ways to support other local charities, projects, and people doing good in the world. When we lift each other up, everyone rises.
And no, this doesn’t mean compromising on care or quality. Being a social enterprise isn’t a lesser-than model. It’s a values-driven one. It means we’re more accountable, more transparent, and more invested in long-term impact, not short-term gain.
Charity doesn’t mean poverty. Fundraising doesn’t mean scraping by.
It means sharing our abundance, pooling our energy, and celebrating the magic that happens when people come together with purpose.
We believe that now more than ever, ethically minded people are looking for organisations that walk their talk. That aren’t afraid to do things differently. If that’s you—we invite you to join us. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, a potential partner, or just someone who believes in the power of mud pies and community spirit, we’d love to have you along for the ride.
This is a new chapter for Stramash. One rooted in the same soil that’s always nurtured us: a deep belief in nature, in people, and in the power of working together for a better future.
Let’s grow something beautiful. Together.