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 walking between the trees — Get out and about in the fresh air

Two sleepy hazel dormice found on the Cotehele Estate during a monthly monitoring check

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'.

Two children building a den — Build a den to hide from the cold

‘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

Go wild in the woods

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.

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.

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill Cambridgeshire

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!

Plan your next adventure here

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.

Trevor passes on his enthusiasm for birdwatching with his grandchildren

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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.'