The warmer months are very nearly upon us! As the sun comes out to play, and your children do too, now is a lovely time indeed to explore what nature has to offer. In this blog we’ll share the lovely things you might go and spot on your travels, whether that’s in your garden, the local park, or even further afield!
In the air
The first place to look when exploring nature is of course, up! Whether you live in a flat, house, the countryside or the city, our feathered friends are here to remind us that life isn’t always on the ground. We used Birdspot to look into who might be visiting the skies at different times of year. The Barn Swallow and Common Swift are likely to appear in big numbers starting in Spring. Meanwhile, the Common Cuckoo has a short stay in early summer and departs by August. The Pied Flycatcher also arrives in April and stays with us all summer. You may find there are variations to these species nearer you, as some birds frequent cities more than others, while some friends prefer to stay close to the coast (we don’t blame them!).
Remember, if you’re keen to attract feathered friends to your home space, this fantastic ‘pizza making kit for the birds’ is a great activity to try out! A pair of binoculars will also come in very handy - or why not make your own with Wildlife Watch’s instructions? If you’re keen to go looking in highly populated bird areas, The Guardian share a great selection of spots to visit or holiday in!
Among the hedgerows
Summer is arguably the most plentiful time of year to spot nature’s bouquet! Flowers are out, bright, and ready to be explored! The Wildlife Trust have this fantastic flower spotter sheet to take on your travels. Spread amongst the hedgerows and grassy banks, you’re likely to spot Meadow Buttercup, Foxglove, Poppy and Cow Parsley amongst many other beauties. Equally, you’re likely to spot lots of minibeasts amongst the flowers too. Bees love a good colourful collection as do beautiful butterflies.
It’s up to your judgment whether you pick any wildflowers to take home, but if you do, flower pressing and water play (providing you check the flowers are safe for play) are wonderful ways to explore them.
In the vegetable and fruit garden
Summer is also a wonderful time to start collecting your hard work from the sowing season! The National Trust have a great list of all the in season plants to ‘harvest or buy’ :
- Baby carrots
- Broad beans
- Chard
- Courgettes and summer squash
- Currants
- Gooseberries
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Radish
- Rocket
- Spinach
- Spring cabbage
- Spring onions
- Strawberries
(From the National Trust’s Guide to Seasonal Food)
Perhaps you could work together with your little ones to make a summer salad, fruity tart or a tasty jam to use in the colder months? This will encourage a love and appreciation for what they have grown, or for what is in season!
Along the shore
Finally, if you’re lucky enough to live near the sea or are perhaps planning a day trip, there is lots to see by the sea! The Wildlife Trust have another lovely scavenger hunt tick sheet for summer shore life from shells to feathers and pebbles.
If you fancy a picnic on the seashore, why not cosy up on a Nobodinoz picnic blanket with a ready to go picnic cutlery set?
Happy summer!
We hope this article inspires you to explore more this summer. Happy discovering!
Emily Hanson
Freelance Writer, Education and Play Specialist
