Tuesday 12 April 2011

Nature Walk - Once Every Two Weeks Challenge

Although it has turned a little colder today, the sun was still shining and Boy and Girl wanted to go for a picnic.  A great opportunity for some outdoor play and a nature walk I thought!  The Woodland Trust website http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/ has some brilliant free resources if you need some help and guidance.
Today we went with no particular agenda but we still found loads of interesting things.  Several different trees, streams, buds on trees, water birds, a few squirrels, and some dandelions.  It opened up quite a few questions from Boy about wildlife as well as a chance to talk about The Gruffalo - one of his favourite books.
It can be useful to learn how to recognise some common trees and birds when you go out like this.  I'm still learning myself but, as I mentioned, the Woodland Trust can be really useful!
We fed the ducks of course, although Girl didn't seem to like them too much today.  By this time she had got quite cold I think so we quickly walked back to the picnic area and had something to eat before coming home.
I'm challenging myself to make sure we go out like this at least once every two weeks (hopefully more often), even if the weather is cold or wet.  I'm challenging you to do the same.  Walking in the fresh air is not only good exercise but a fantastic opportunity for communication and interaction between adults and children.  There are a wealth of fantastic parks and nature reserves (many with free entry), it's too good an opportunity to miss.  Go on, get outside with your kids!  Sign up for the challenge by making a comment below.

2 comments:

  1. I totally agree about getting outside more often! It's always us adults who think of excuses not to do it, never the kids. I love your challenge! Thanks for linking up to It's Playtime today.

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