1. Get outside and observe nature
Wherever you go take a notebook and camera and record the animals and plants you find. When you get home, you can look up the bugs, birds and plants you encountered to learn more about them and the roles they play in the ecosystem.
With 10 national parks and many more Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK there are plenty of amazing places to visit. Taking kids into the countryside gives them an appreciation for the natural world – and is good for their physical and mental health.
However you don’t have to go far to teach your kids about the natural world. Many of us live in urban areas but even in heavily built up areas you’ll still find plants and wildlife.
Print out and take our free nature scavenger hunt with you!
2. Read books about nature
There are lots of great books that teach kids about the world around them. Fact books are a great learning resource, but fictional stories can also teach children about many aspects of the natural world. (Of course, the best books for younger children are the Five Flamingo series – The Carnivorous Crocodile and The Mud Monster… but then we may be a little biased!)
3. Plant a wildlife garden
Bring the natural world to the kids! You don’t need a big garden or to spend a lot of money to create a wildlife garden and you’ll be giving your kids a great opportunity to learn about plants and pollination. Once the garden is planted get the kids involved in keeping track of the visiting wildlife..
Read our free guide to building a wildlife garden.
4. “Adopt” an endangered animal
Many zoos and wildlife charities have an ‘Adopt an endangered animal’ scheme. For a fee they’ll send a certificate, pictures of the animal and keep you updated about the species. This is a great way for kids to learn about endangered species whilst contributing to a charitable organisation that protects them.
5. Have your kids help with recycling and composting
Get the kids to help you recycle and compost your household waste. Not only does this teach them responsibility but builds good habits early helping kids to see it as an essential daily chore.
6. Get involved with volunteering
They’ll be many different projects in your local area to get involved with. Not only will you be helping the environment but you’ll be teaching your kids about working together with others. Making a positive difference to the world around them will also give your kids a confidence boost.
Have a look at our ever-growing list of projects to get involved with.
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