Family
Sharing wildlife and the natural environment with your family is a great way to spend quality time together. Here are ten healthy, free and fun ideas to try. If you have more of your own, let us know about them and we will add them to the website.
- Keep it simple by revisiting your childhood activities with your children or grandchildren. Flying a kite, making a daisy chain or simply collecting conkers can keep young children captivated.
- Go on a minibeast safari. This can be in your local park, garden or allotment. Your children will soon get the idea and be finding all sorts of mini monsters of their own under logs and stones.
- Get arty by collecting natural materials to make a temporary sculpture or picture. Use artist Andy Goldsworthy’s pictures to get inspiration at www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk
Once your family starts this they will soon get hooked and forget to ask when lunchtime is! - Taking part in a wildlife survey will foster your children’s interest in wildlife and increase wildlife observation and recording skills as well as adding interest to walks. Dip your toe into the world of wildlife recording by taking part in the Natures’ Calendar Recording Scheme. Run by the Woodland Trust this lovely bright and friendly website is easy to use and has stacks of information and links to other websites.
www.naturescalendar.org.uk - Join a wildlife club for kids. Wildlife Watch is the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids. Taking part in Wildlife Watch is an exciting way to explore your surroundings and get closer to the wildlife you share it with. The website has ideas for environmental action and fun on-line games. www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Contact the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust for information on your nearest club by telephoning 01287 636382. - Children often groan at the idea of a country walk. Pack a picnic or make it a challenge with an organised treasure hunt.
- Think adventurous for older children. Consider mountain biking, den building, canoeing or orienteering. These will all involve your children spending time and getting exercise in natural surroundings.
- Surf the net for wildlife websites. Some of the best have great quizzes, educational interactive games and downloadable activities. Here are a few to get you started:
- Visit the Woodland Trust nature detectives/Spring and Autumn Watch and take part in the Spring and Autumn surveys on-line and download nature survey guides, art and craft ideas as well as on line fun and games. Register free to start your own on-line nature diary www.naturedetectives/org/uk/club
- The under 7’s can take part in the Woodland Trust’s UK Ancient Tree Hunt. As well as on-line tree survey, there is also a great leaf count and sort cards. www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk
- Go pond dipping and rock pooling and discover mini-worlds of fascinating creatures. Armed simply with bucket, net and magnifying glass, these activities will enthral all the family from toddlers to teenagers and granddads! Remember to ensure you safely return all the creatures you find.
- Book your family on a wildlife event with your council’s countryside rangers. Visit your local authority’s website to find out about the wealth of activities that happen all year round at a countryside park or nature reserve near you.
