Welcome to our page filled with exciting activities for children and grown ups to enjoy in the beautiful surrounds of the garden or woodland. Whether you're looking for adventurous games, crafty projects or peaceful nature walks, we have something for everyone. So come and explore our collection of fun-filled ideas and make your time in the great outdoors even more memorable!
Before we jump head and feet first into doing some fantastic outdoor activities here are a few tips to help everyone to stay safe in the garden and to make your outdoor time enjoyable. Please read the safe information at the bottom of this page.
Animal Identification Sheets
Here are some of the amazing animals, minibeasts and more that you can find in your garden and woodland. Why not download or print off these sheets and see how many you can spot? Put your knowledge to the test.
Plant and Tree Identification Sheets
Here are some of the plants and trees that you can find in your garden and woodland. Why not download or print off these sheets and see how many you can spot? Put your knowledge to the test. Is there anything you would be able to forage? Why not check it here?
Autumn Leaves ID and Autumn Leaf ID
First signs of Spring Plants and Animals
Fun Activities to do all year round
Below are some very cool and fun activities you can do all year round. Why not give it a go and post on our social media page to show us your finished projects.
Grow a Bee and Butterfly Garden
These are just some of our favourites from WildlifeWatch, click here to find your favourite
- Keep an eye on the weather. Seasons nowadays can be unpredictable with their tumultuous temperatures, unplanned rain or thunder or wildly windy weather Make sure your aren’t caught by surprise in the garden or out in the woods by watching the forecast and being aware of rapidly changing conditions. It may be ideal to download a weather app on your phone just to be on the safe side. Depending on mobile signal or course.
- Dress for mess. One of the BEST parts of gardening is embracing the dirt! Old clothes or clothes that wash easily are the key to success in the mud. And don’t forget the gardening gloves, whether they are child size or adult, they are a must. And who could forget the most important element – Footwear- a good set of rubber boots or garden clogs can be extremely helpful.
- Find the correct tools. From watering cans to rakes, having the right child-sized tools is important in making a garden and woodland adventure feel inviting. Having the right tools to hand can help little ones learn gardening skills, and teaching a sense of responsibility and ownership. Items to look out for are: a child-sized wheelbarrow, child-size watering can, old pots and pan that can stay in the garden, child-sized rake, spade, hand trowel and broom are a must too!
- Discuss plant safety. Gardening and foraging presents a great opportunity to help your children to understand the difference between edible and non-edible (or even toxic) plants. Having a simple handbook to hand or downloading a plant identifying app on your phone is a great way to teach children everything they need to know about plants. This is also a great time to remind your kids that as much as we’d like to nibble right out of the fresh lettuce pot, washing edible produce thoroughly before sampling is important, you don’t know who has paid the plant a visit or even used some nasty tasting pesticides. Plant safety is another most.
- Check garden areas for safety hazards. Even if you’re just in your own garden, it’s always good to quickly sweep your gardening area for any safety hazards. A quick once-over for things like rusty nails, pieces of broken pots, or even a visiting member of the wild life, it will give you peace of mind. Did you know that some animal poo can cause blindness in children. Safety is paramount.
- Practice organic gardening. Gardening with children gives you yet another good reason to avoid chemicals and toxic sprays and it teaches children the dangers of using chemicals not just for humans but animals too and how it affects their world.
- Be mindful of allergies. As beautiful as being out in nature is, seasonal allergies abound – and not just for adults! Monitor for allergy symptoms like excessive sneezing, itching, or rashes. Remind your children and adults too, to avoid touching faces and eyes. Leave pollens, moulds, and dust outside by taking a quick rinse-off and changing into fresh clothes after gardening.
- Watch out for the sun. The sun’s rays don’t just do damage in the hot season, even when the temperature is still a bit chilly and the sun is shining, you can still end up with pink sunburned cheeks. When out in the garden with children and yourself (always lead by example!), remember to provide shade, wear hats and sunscreens, and (as always!) drink plenty of clean fresh water.
- Tawny Owl Wood. Tawny Owl Wood does not accept any responsibility to claims of injury or damage to persons or property. The guidelines above are designed to keep you safe. Please always check for landowner permission and local information before venturing out onto nay public open space.
The list of activities on this page and discussed during nature talks can be found and remain the property of the organisation listed on the sheets. Full copyright belongs to the retrospective organisation.
For more information about the activities used on this page please visit the following pages: