In addition to Bee in the Woods, Lucy has mentored & supported educators, delivered training and consultancy, worked with local authorities and universities, and advocated nationally for the importance of play-based, nature-rich childhoods.
Nature kindergarten, Bee in the Woods, founder, Managing Director and Sussex alumna, Lucy Owen-Collins, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to Early Years Education.
An Early Years Teacher with over 20 years of experience in environmental and outdoor education, Lucy founded Bee in the Woods in 2018 to create a different kind of childhood setting rooted in nature, play, community and a deep respect for children as capable learners.
Today, Bee in the Woods is an award-winning organisation providing year-round outdoor education and care for children and families across Brighton & Hove. Lucy operates two Ofsted Outstanding nature kindergartens, alongside seasonal beach school programmes, holiday clubs, home education groups, family play sessions and community wellbeing projects.
Lucy originally came to the University of Sussex in 1999 as an undergraduate student to study Philosophy. She went on to successfully graduate from the Early Years Education MA with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) course in 2020 for which students receive a training grant to cover course fees and work with children from birth to five years old (including Reception) in the public and private sectors. Lucy describes Sussex as “such a big part of my professional and personal journey.”
The MBE recognises not only Lucy’s leadership of Bee in the Woods, but also her wider contribution to the Early Years sector: Alongside leading the organisation, she has mentored educators, supported trainee teachers, delivered training and consultancy, worked with local authorities and universities and advocated nationally for the importance of play-based, nature-rich childhoods.
Lucy said:
"I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While my name appears on the award, it truly belongs to the many children, families, educators, volunteers and communities who have been part of this journey. Bee in the Woods has always been built on the belief that children deserve time, space and freedom to play, explore, take risks and develop a meaningful connection with the natural world.
"I also see it as recognition of the thousands of dedicated early years professionals across the country. Many have built their settings with heart, because they care deeply about children and families. They pour their energy, creativity and often their own resources into creating places where children feel safe, loved and able to thrive.
"Behind every nursery are people working incredibly hard to support families, nurture children and create opportunities for their communities. I hope this award shines a light not only on Bee in the Woods, but on the vital contribution the whole early years sector makes every day."
Throughout her career, Lucy has championed children's rights, outdoor learning and inclusive practice. She has contributed to national conversations about the future of early years education and has worked to demonstrate how high-quality outdoor provision can support children's wellbeing, confidence, communication, resilience and sense of belonging.
Bee in the Woods has become widely recognised for its innovative approach to early years education, blending child-led learning, outdoor play, environmental stewardship and community connection. The organisation was named Nursery of the Year in 2022 and continues to champion a vision of childhood that prioritises wellbeing, belonging, curiosity and joy.
The award comes as Bee in the Woods prepares to launch a community fundraising campaign for a new wellbeing cabin at its Portslade site, creating additional space for children, families and staff.