Collaborative post Any outdoor space provides plenty of activities that you can do with your child. Family gardening projects are a great way to help children engage with nature, learn about the natural world, and have fun at the same time. Simple and fun family gardening projects If you’d like to become a more green-fingered family, these four family gardening projects are a great place to start. Each one is simple, doesn't need much ...
Easy ways to improve your garden in winter
A quick glance out of my kitchen window confirms that winter is definitely in residence in the garden. The light is low, the tree branches are the only real structure in sight, most plants are dormant, and the lawn is blanketed in yet another carpet of fallen leaves (note to self: make more leaf mould). This all sounds more than a little bleak, but actually it’s not that hard to add interest to your garden in ...
Easy crafts for kids: fun winter nature crafts and activities
Are you managing to get the kids playing outdoors this winter? These fun winter nature crafts will help you tempt them off the sofa! We don’t really see winter as ideal for spending time outdoors with our children, do we? The days are shorter, the weather is often less than inviting, and it’s hard to motivate ourselves to leave the comfort of a cosy house. But in my experience, children just don’t think this way. As far as my ...
Easy DIY bird feeder for kids to make
Are you looking for ideas for a DIY bird feeder for kids to make? This simple bird feeder craft is easy and fun, and will have the birds flocking to your garden! Homemade bird feeders are one of our favourite crafts. I've lost count of the number of times we've made them, and they're always a big hit with our local wild birds. Whenever we put them out in the garden they vanish within a couple of days. We usually use empty paper cups or ...
Homemade bird feeders: easy step-by-step guide
These homemade bird feeders are a great way to give your local wild birds a real treat. You can make them at any time of year, but it's particularly important to support wild birds in winter. Why homemade bird feeders are great for feeding wild birds in winter Winter is a tough time of year for wild birds, as natural food sources such as insects and berries are scarce. Also, birds need lots of energy-rich food to maintain fat reserves, ...
Growing sunflowers in pots: easy step-by-step guide
If you're looking for easy seeds to grow with children, it's hard to beat growing sunflowers in pots. If you're not gardening with children sunflowers are still fantastic plants to grow, and they make wonderful cut flowers too. This step-by-step guide shows you how to grow sunflowers in pots, covering which seeds to choose, planting and care instructions, and fun sunflower activities for kids. Growing sunflowers in pots As well as ...
7. The 10 minute gardener: quick summer gardening jobs
Welcome to the latest post in this series, looking at quick gardening jobs you can fit into a busy schedule. This time I'm looking at ways to stay on top of your summer garden. Things have certainly warmed up in the last couple of weeks, and I’m really enjoying my garden now the summer plants are bursting into life. I think the ‘little and often’ approach is best for gardening at this time of year; keeping on top of the garden through little ...
Taking the RSPB Wild Challenge: spotting signs of spring and sowing sunflowers
Last year we had a great time partnering with RSPB on family-friendly activities that would help to give nature a home in our garden. You might remember that we planted wildflower seeds, grew flowers for butterflies, made a frog and toad abode, grew plants for moths, and made a bird bath. It was a busy year! We’re thrilled to be working with RSPB again on some fun new projects. Over the next few months we’ll be bringing you more exciting ideas ...
Tips for feeding garden birds in winter
Are you providing food for the wild birds who visit your garden this winter? We usually spend less time in our gardens during winter, but wild birds are often still visiting just as much as in the warmer months. Garden birds will be searching for food, and also water when temperatures drop low enough to freeze their usual supplies. Providing a winter food source for wild birds is a great way to support your local wildlife, and you'll also ...
Giving nature a home in our garden: sowing wildflowers
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll be aware that we’re joining forces with the RSPB 'Give nature a home in your garden' campaign. With 60% of the UK’s wildlife species seeing decline over the last fifty years, the campaign aims to encourage us all to take small, achievable steps to help nature in our own green spaces. We’re going to be sharing our experiences as we try out lots of fun family activities to make a home for nature in our own ...