Children & nature

We're on a mission to reconnect a generation of children with nature and the outdoors through nature-related activities for kids

Children climbing on the big plane tree in the garden at Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Two children building a den

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Get up close and personal with nature this winter by trying ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’. Whether its making friends with a bug or rolling down a big hill, there's loads to do with your family and friends.

Start your adventure
Child building a woodland den

Re-connecting children with nature 

When children spend time playing outdoors in nature, it helps increase their wellbeing – and that of their families. It also means they’re more likely to care for the natural environment. That’s why we’ve developed ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

What is ‘50 things’?
Two sleepy hazel dormice found on the Cotehele Estate during a monthly monitoring check
Hedgehog in leaves
Pallets and pipes stacked up to create bug hotel

Help us look after dormice

We need your help to protect dormice, which are now extinct in 17 English counties. Leaving ivy on trees, letting bramble grow and creating log piles can create cosy homes for these gentle creatures. Dormice are normally found in the countryside, but they are so rare now that most people will never see one in their lifetime. Our rangers on the wooded Cotehele Estate in Cornwall found this sleepy pair during their annual check of the local dormouse population, carried out every month from April to October.

Look after wild animals this winter  

You can give wildlife a helping hand this winter by doing a few simple things. Discover how to make sure the animals near you have enough food to eat and a cosy place to sleep. Be a wildlife hero this winter.

Make a home for wildlife 

All sorts of animals, bugs and birds need homes. We've put together a quick list to help you create the perfect hiding place for the animals in your own garden. Making a home for a wild animal is also one of our '50 things do before you're 11¾' activities'.

Go wild in the woods

A girl climbing a tree

How to climb trees 

Climbing trees is easy, all you need is your courage, good grip and a sense of adventure. Follow these top tips and tricks to help you to conquer tree-climbing safely and soon you'll be on top of the world.

Learn how to cook bread on a stick

How to bake campfire bread 

Rustling up a quick snack for hungry explorers has never been simpler. Try your hand at campfire bread this autumn.

Autumn Children Hoe Fen

Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area 

Open all year round, whatever the weather, Hoe Fen is great for children of all ages to have a wild adventure. From Den Building to spying on nature in our Wildlife Watch Hut, the possibilities are endless!

I am the Seed that Grew the Tree is an illustrated collection of nature poems for every day of the year

Discover the new nature poetry book 

Experience the magic of nature with 'I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree', a collection of poems inspired by nature. With illustrations on every page, the book has a poem for every day of the year, from Wordsworth’s Daffodils to The Snail’s Monologue. The perfect gift for a birthday or Christmas, children and grown-ups alike will love this unique book.

See the book
Trevor passes on his enthusiasm for birdwatching with his grandchildren Play Video
Video

Trevor's story

Meet Trevor, avid birdwatcher and grandad of seven. For the past 50 years Trevor has pursued a passion for birdwatching and now his two youngest grandchildren, Patrick and Noah, are following in his footsteps.

Even though they live miles apart, the family is brought closer together by a shared love of nature. As Trevor says: 'You've actually got to get out there and feel it and touch it and smell it.'

Grandparents and grandchildren by a stream

Have an adventure with your grandchildren 

Whether you're getting closer to wildlife, journeying back in time or following in the footsteps of children's authors, discover more things to do with your grandkids this year.

Continue your story
Children trying on Victorian style clothing at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Junior membership 

We've introduced a junior membership for children and teenagers. Discover the benefits and get answers to any questions you may have.

Ranger Gwen at work

Meet the ranger on puffin patrol 

As the puffins arrive back in the Farne Islands after a long winter at sea, we met up with ranger, Gwen Potter, to find out a bit more about them.

Meet Gwen

Things to do

Find out what events and activities are on at our places near you

Discover what's on