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 ...
How to make twig-wrapped flower pots
If, like us, you have an ever-growing stick collection, this is the perfect nature craft for you!Sticks and twigs are just brilliant for crafting, and this little project turns them into a lovely homemade gift. All you need is a plant pot, some string, and a little plant to pop in when you're finished.The idea is to create a length of tied-together twigs that you then fasten around the pot. Start off by measuring each stick ...
How to make fun bird feeders
Do you feed the birds at this time of year? We try to do it all year round, but in winter it's particularly important to give wild birds a helping hand, because natural food sources are scarce. One of the kids' favourite craft activities is making our homemade feeders; I've lost count of the number of times we've made them, and whenever we put them out in the garden they vanish within a couple of days!This week we've been ...
Fun winter nature crafts for children
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 kids are concerned, when it comes to getting outdoors the season is pretty much irrelevant; as long as they’re dressed to suit the ...
Natural Christmas decorations: pine cone trees
My kitchen is covered in glitter, but that's all part of crafting at this time of year isn't it?!We've already started our Christmas crafting with cute Pom Pom Pine Cones, and these gorgeous sparkly pine cone trees are our latest natural Christmas decorations project.This is absolutely ideal for children of all ages; there are no fiddly bits and it's a pretty simple craft.We started off by choosing a nice selection of pine ...
Homemade Christmas decorations: Pom Pom Pine Cones
Well it's official: the Christmas prep has started in our house :)We've been having fun with some Christmas-themed nature craft, making these natural Christmas decorations from pine cones and pom poms. Is there any limit to the crafting potential of pine cones?!I do love homemade Christmas decorations; they're so full of personal meaning, and a great way to spend some fun time crafting with the kids. Every year our ...
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 ...
Taking the RSPB Wild Challenge: trees, leaves and seeds
Have you been getting outdoors and enjoying nature this autumn? We’ve been trying to make the most of the mild weather, and enjoying all that nature has to offer at this time of year. If you read the blog regularly you’ll know that we’re partnering with RSPB on lots of fun nature projects, and this month we’ve been trying out another of their Wild Challenge activities. RSPB Wild Challenge is all about helping wildlife and connecting with the ...
Nature Craft: spooky spider plants
We've had so much fun making these spooky spider plants this week! Aren't they just perfect for Halloween?I saw this fab nature craft idea on the Amateur Gardening website, and thought the kids would love to have a go. We did this craft outdoors, but it would work perfectly well indoors if the weather isn't great.Before we started, we gathered all the bits and pieces we would need; plant pots, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, compost, and ...
Ideas for enjoying autumn outdoors with children
I just love autumn. The weather is still mild, the sunlight is at a fabulous angle, and nature is visibly changing everywhere you look. My kids love it too; it’s such a tactile time of year with all those crisp leaves, changing colours, and of course the conkers!As September marches on, I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of being outdoors with the kids as much as possible before the colder weather arrives. Autumn is such a ...