GO NATURE SPOTTING
This is an activity suitable for anybody and is a great way to engage your children and have them connect with nature, not to mention get the family spending time together. Occupying your little ones during this time is a challenging task so if you have a garden, make sure you get in it.
To help you, the Woodland Trust runs a citizen science project called Nature’s Calendar where you can record what you’re seeing and when: have you seen your first bee? Record it. Have you noticed bluebells blooming? Record it. Have you spotted blue tits starting to nest in your trees? Record it!
By contributing your findings you will help scientists study the impacts of climate change on our local wildlife and natural spaces while connecting with nature right on your doorstep – your children will grow into budding scientists and nature nerds right before your eyes (and so will you...).
WILDLIFE BINGO
There are lots of activities online that get you outside and hunting for wildlife but a particular favourite is bingo.
Here we’ve linked some mixed wildlife bingo cards - at the bottom of the page is a sheet of individual species which you can print out to create your own bingo! Remember, you can take these on a nature walk in your local area – please remember to find quiet spaces where you can connect with nature while maintaining social distancing. With spring approaching, you may find you spot new species every time!
STAYING INDOORS?
You can go nature spotting just about anywhere so you don’t need to leave the house to get involved. See what you can spot in your garden, or have a look out of your window!
GET STUCK INTO A GOOD BOOK
Watching nature documentaries and reading nature/environment based books are great ways to learn more about nature and the environment and ways to tackle climate change all from the comfort of our homes.
There are so many great shows and books out there, so we’ve put together a list of our favourite books and shows to get you started - let us know if you have any suggestions too!
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
With many of us doing more quizzes than we’ve ever done before and our general knowledge being put to the ultimate test - why not test your nature knowledge too?
There are lots of ready-made wildlife quizzes out there for you to try on your own, with your household or remotely with friends and family! You could also try and write your own nature and environment quiz.
LISTEN TO NATURE SOUNDS
Research shows that hearing sounds of nature - such as birdsong or flowing water - helps us to recover more quickly from stress than sounds of the city. Whether it’s during your daily exercise or in your garden take a few moments to listen out for nature - what sounds can you hear?
If you can’t get outside, or nature is a bit quiet where you are, you can always bring nature to you by listening to different wildlife sounds! Whether it’s bird song, whale sounds or a trickling waterfall, choose your favourite sounds or listen to something new.
Listen to some wildlife and nature sounds whilst working to help you focus, or listen to them whilst taking some time for yourself - find a sunny spot, close your eyes and relax.
