Teach Nature

Perhaps now more than ever it is important to take time to slow down and notice our surroundings. These targeted nature connection activities often work well at the start or end of a session. You could also build a whole session on sensory exploration and nature connection. Why not try a sensory walk or design a trail in your local area? You could also use colour swatches to do a colour hunt or simply spend time using each of your senses to notice different things in your environment.

We would recommend trialling Sit Spots or Sound Mapping.

Practicing surveying helps to connect with nature, develop scientific knowledge and skills and contribute to vital national data. There are many organisations, including Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which offer fantastic citizen science group sessions you could volunteer to be a part of.

The Natural History Museum have also compiled a list of surveys, resources and ideas for young people. For older students the Field Studies Council have various resources on surveying that reflect the GCSE and A-Level curriculum. 

If you survey independently, don’t forget to record your sightings.

There is often birdsong to be heard and the sight of birds can be a source of wonder and opportunity year-round for all ages. There is plenty you can do to take action for birds in your local area. 

We also recommend finding out more about feeding the birds year-round.

Toads start to emerge from hibernation in early spring, making their way back to the ponds that they hatched from. You can learn more about toads by completing the activities below. Why not also try building a wildlife pond in your garden?

Tracking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and can tell you a lot about the wildlife that you may not see. Many tracking activities can be adapted to suit a range of ages, experience and abilities. Why not follow this wildlife watch guide to create your own footprint trap or go on a nut hunt to discover which mammals have been nibbling away in your area?

Hedgehogs have seen a rapid decline in recent years. You can find out lots more about hedgehogs and how you can help here.

Soil can be the starting point of a wildlife gardening scheme. It is an ecosystem full of wonder and possibility to explore with your group. To ‘dig deep’ in the world of soil why not have a go at completing your own soil and earthworm survey with the field studies council or create your own compost in a bottle with this activity from the countryside regeneration trust?

You can find lots of inspiration about insects in The Wildlife Trusts: Action for Insects School Guide. We would also recommend having a look at the Wildlife Watch resources and making your own seed bombs or insect hotel.

Spiders aren’t just for Halloween. These fascinating animals play a vital role in our environment. Why not find out more about the benefit of spiders and have a go at some of the activities to understand our 8-legged friends better.