You can find some fantastic creatures in the garden. Many of them help us to look after our plants. One of these is the little ladybird. This spotty (stripy, patchy or streaky) friend likes to eat greenfly – the naughty insects that love to feast on our plants. Next time you are in your garden […]
Nature Activities
A range of activities designed to encourage children to get active outdoors and have fun gardening.
Wind streamers (or fish kites)
You don’t need to wait for a breeze to run wild outside and enjoy these wind streamers! A simple and effective homemade kite that the kids will have loads of fun making and flying. What you will need A thin stick or bamboo cane (no longer than your arm) Thin card (cereal packets are ideal) […]
Build a Birdbath
As the weather gets hotter birds, just like us, need to make sure they drink plenty of water. They also love to have a bath, which helps them keep their feathers in tip-top condition. You can help the birds this summer by making a birdbath for your garden. What you will need Old large shallow […]
Tree-sure Hunt
Have fun on this tree-sure hunt – get it? Trees are all around us, but do you know your birch from your beech? See if you can find these trees where you live using our tree-sure hunt guide for clues. Alder Alders are 18-25m tall and are found in woodland and hedgerows. This deciduous tree […]
How to build a simple bug hotel
This simple bug hotel is the perfect habitat for bees, ladybirds and any other small inhabitants of your garden. It’s easy to make and fun for kids of all ages! What you will need Small plastic bottle Scissors String Garden canes, straw, small twigs Hacksaw What to do Ask an adult to cut the top […]
Butterfly feeder
Keep the butterflies fed and the kids entertained with this simple butterfly feeder! What you will need Paper or plastic plate, string, mushy, over ripe fruit What to do Make three holes around the edge of the plate. Thread some string through each hole tying a knot under the plate. Tie the 3 ends of […]
Bird feeders
We’ve found that children love making these fun bird-feeders and they keep the birds coming back for more! What you will need A stick (approx 30cm long, minimum 3cm diameter), bird fat mix and seeds, string, drill. What to do Ask an adult to drill holes through the stick (best done with a flat wood […]
Get children out and exploring
Get children out and exploring the great outdoors! Encourage them to get wet and muddy and get hands on with nature Let children play outside regularly and get them used to their local environment Climb trees, search for insects and make dens Don’t be scared of the rain – get out in your wellies and […]
Dye an egg for Easter
Dyeing eggs is relatively easy to do. Here we dye an egg with onion skins – wait until you see what happens! Easter eggs – real eggs, not the chocolate ones – have been painted and dyed around Easter time for centuries. What you need Eggs… obviously! An onion or two A pan with water A […]
Out and about on a nature walk
Everywhere you look when you’re outdoors in a green area, there’ll be creepy crawlies, wildlife, and beautiful plants and flowers. They’re all part of the natural world. So take some of it back with you to remind you of your visit (but please don’t pick anything – only collect things that have fallen to the […]
Grow broad beans
How do I plant broad beans? Plant seeds about 5cm deep. Plant the next seed about 30cm away. Keep rows 60cm apart. Download a reminder sheet all about broad beans How do I look after broad beans? Water the seeds and make sure the ground stays damp until the seedlings appear. It usually takes 10 to 20 days for […]