Pippa Middleton has forged ahead with plans to open a nursery at her Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire, despite initial backlash from highway officials. The 42-year-old sister of the Princess of Wales, alongside her husband James Matthews, faced criticism after unveiling proposals for a countryside creche, with road bosses arguing it would generate excessive traffic in the surrounding area.
The couple remained silent on the matter but ultimately received approval in August, after the council determined that the nursery would deliver 'strong social benefits'. Today, Bucklebury Farm confirmed the imminent opening via Instagram, stating: 'Something special is coming to Bucklebury Farm. We are so pleased to share that a brand-new day nursery will be opening soon.'
Welcoming children from six months to five years, the nursery will offer a strictly limited number of places to ensure every child is 'truly known, supported, and cared for'. Set within the heart of the countryside, children will spend their days exploring the natural world, with unique daily access to the farm park, where learning comes to life through hands-on experiences with animals and the great outdoors.
Pippa's venture aligns with Kate Middleton's Early Childhood work, described as her 'life's work', which aims to positively impact children in their formative years. The Princess of Wales, 44, supports the youngest members of society through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, focusing on research and campaigning for a more nurturing society. Pippa's nursery expands on this interest by transforming Bucklebury Farm into an educational space for young people.
Pippa and James acquired 72 acres of land in leafy Berkshire for £1.5 million in 2020, in a village where a detached house with a garden costs nearly as much. The property includes a 44-acre deer park, a café, glamping pods, a children's play area, and a petting zoo that was a favourite of young Prince George during visits to his grandparents. The site has been open to the public since 1992.
However, the couple faced opposition from highway bosses after revealing their plans in March last year. Roads chiefs argued the rural nursery would lead to an excessive number of cars, prompting local councillor Christopher Read to call in the decision for debate by the planning committee. Despite these concerns, the nursery was approved, with the council noting the strong social benefits it would provide.
James Matthews, whose brother is reality star Spencer Matthews, explained his desire to open a pre-school facility at the farm. The local council's road experts voiced 'significant concerns' about extra car movements and recommended refusal. However, the Matthews have since made numerous improvements to Bucklebury Farm since purchasing it four years ago, including a soft play area, animal petting, office space, and rustic glamping tents without electricity or Wi-Fi.
The day nursery aims to offer local parents more choice, as no similar facilities exist within five miles. Caroline Downie, representing agents Lasseter Downie Planning, sought to allay fears, explaining that a maximum of 24 children would be on site, with capacity reached over three years. The nursery would employ one manager, two qualified teachers, and a couple of apprentices. She noted that local nurseries are at or near capacity, and the unique farm park access would provide an exceptional learning experience.
Downie estimated 48 extra vehicle movements per day, or 12,480 annually, with fewer if some children are siblings. The farm already sees 45,000 visitors per year (30,000 vehicle movements) and ten staff add 7,280 movements annually, keeping total cars below the council's 70,000 limit.
