AN OUTDOOR education centre in Ringwood has created a support group for women after the success of its male group.

Kelly Louise, founder of Little Bear Woods, has announced that, following the success of its all-male support group, it will host an all-female support group named 'sows in the woods'.

Initially creating the male group in the belief that there were not enough safe spaces for men to talk, Kelly hopes the group can be a space for women to meet and talk while surrounded by nature.

She said: "I wanted to start the men's group as it seemed like there was more of a need for it but a lot of mums have asked me 'what about us ladies?'

"It'll be nice to be able to let mums use the space because they're so used to bringing the kids that they can come down and see the forest in a different way."

Although Kelly has been involved in the men's group, she has collaborated with a friend named Russell Trent who primarily manages it. 

Helping prepare for the male support groups, she has been unable to be an active part of it and therefore is excited to become more hands-on with the new group. 

She said: "I do like the fact I can get more involved because, normally for the men, I'm just chopping wood and then I get out of the way. 

"I predominantly run Little Bears Wood so I see most of the customers that come on down and I've made friendships out of it so it will be nice to open that up."

While hoping in the future to do similar activities to the men's group, Kelly has said the first sessions will focus on more nurturing tasks such as making natural salt scrubs. 

Set to host its first session on October 5, the group is planned to be a monthly meetup in the mornings between 9-11am.

Kelly said: "The mums might be in bed with the kids so they don't necessarily want to come out late at night.

"Mums can get up and go 'it's my morning off today' and come along."

For more information, visit Little Bear Woods' website.