We would like to introduce a mud pit to our nursery and need advice on how to source "safe" mud!!?

Question

I want to make sure that there are no health concerns for the children in usung the mud pit and am unsure of where I should get my mud from. The children will not actually be climbing into it but will be mixing/stirring etc. Has anyone got any good advice based on their own personal experience?

Answer 1

Just get dirt from your back yard and mix that with water. and let the kids get in and wallow in it, that way they can experience the fun of being a kid. Their parents will understand!

Answer 2

We used compost from the garden centre and it worked well once the water soaked into it. It also meant we used it after wards as the children eventually had a pot each and planted seeds to take home.

Answer 3

You are right to beware of "things" being in the mud - for example, there could be things like worms and stuff from animals' faeces.

I suggest you go to your local garden centre and ask them what they would suggest!   (if you use a local one, rather than a chain store, they may even give you a supply for free!)

Please warn parents if the children will be playing with mud as it can stick to the clothes and be much harder to get out clothes - at least paints are washable!!!!

Good luck with your sourcing - mud pies sound like a lot of fun!!!

Answer 4

We use grow bags for our "mud"....rthe kids help rip open the bag and pulling it all out in the tray....if u want to make it more "muddy" you could add water to this.

I like the idea of mud its something a lot of kids wont get to try at home etc if parents are fussy or concerned.

I think that my advice is: warn parents! As much as you ty to keep it clean it usually ends up everywhere anyway so just let them know...else get some overalls for mud play!

Mud is great for play as you can do anything: bucket and spade, treasure hunt, hide some veggies in it for them to "find", bug hunts etc....

You could always ask the PLA, LEA or Health department if you are concerned for health reasons.

Answer 5

why mud?whats wrong with good old sand?i cant see you being able to do anything with mud that you cant do with sand.what next,pop instead of water.not being nasty but my motto is,if it's not broke why fix it?have fun anyway x*x

Answer 6

maybe have a look at rhassoul mud which is used in face masks as it has various health-giving properties. Or a cheaper alternative would be fullers earth mixed with water; available sterlised and available cheaply as cat litter.

Answer 7

Not sure about the actual mud but my advice would be to make sure it has a secure cover when not in use especially overnight, no matter where it is I'm sure the odd stray cat may find it and use it as a private kitty toilet, not nice. Good Luck bet the kids will love it x