Category:

Woodland

Activity Adventure London Nature UK Walking Woodland

The best walks in London

Ditch all those thoughts of London being polluted and overcrowded. Our capital has some beautiful places to walk in. Did you know London is one of the greenest cities on earth? And that we’re going to become a National Park City in July? Here’s some of the best walks in London you can have. Some of these walks in London are well-known, and with good reason – they are beautiful; others are under the radar, more peaceful and just as picturesque. I’ve noted where you can get the essentials – coffee and cake – as well as where the nearest toilets and playgrounds are, so all these walks should be pretty family-friendly walks in London too. Settle in with a cup of tea – this is a long post. Told you London was green.

February 10, 2019 5 comments

Environment Seasons Uncategorized Winter Woodland

Woodland activities for children

It’s National Tree Week this week, where we can all take the chance to give our cherished trees a hug! It’s also a great time to look into what woodland activities for children are going on around you – such as tree planting, climbing, woodland walks and foraging. Much outdoor fun with the family to be had.

November 27, 2018 4 comments

Activity Adventure Beach Environment Explore Mountains National Trust Northumberland UK Walking Woodland

Fun things to do in Northumberland with kids

We spent the week of October half term in Northumberland. I’ve always wanted to visit this stunning part of the country. I had visions of windswept moors, deserted beaches and castles at every turn, and it didn’t disappoint. We visited as a family of three generations so it was important we did things that catered for all ages. Here’s a round-up of fun things to do in Northumberland with kids.

November 26, 2018 1 comment

Adventure Age ranges Autumn Environment Going solo Primary Seasons Secondary Spring Summer Winter Woodland

Mini adventure: Go wild food foraging

Foraging is a just a fancy word to describe searching for wild food. But if you don’t know what you are doing, going on a foraging course is the ideal way to learn about the wild foods that are safe to eat in the UK, and where to find them.

October 7, 2018 3 comments

Activity Adventure Explore Nature Walking Wildlife Winter Woodland

Winter walks: what to look out for in February

Poor, old February. Often thought of as the month of despair. However, there are a surprising number of treats to look out for and enjoy even in these dark, dreary days of winter. Scratch beneath the surface and there is life everywhere. Days are lengthening and there is a smell of spring and new beginnings in the air, so dig out the wellies and thermals and go on a new walk. Find a cracking pub at the end. Happy days.

February 27, 2018 0 comment

Adventure National Trust Woodland

50 thing to do before you’re 11 3/4

The National Trust know what they’re doing. Their properties are now so appealing to kids as well as adults and their marketing to families is A game. One campaign they have at the moment is #50things.

This genius idea encourages kids to get outside and explore nature. The National Trust have listed 50 fun outdoor activities that children can tick off in a free booklet (and some National Trusts give out stickers once a task has been completed. Everyone loves a sticker).

The activities are:-

Climb a tree

Roll down a really big hill

Camp out in the wild

Build a den

Go on a really long bike ride

Make a trail with sticks

Make a mud pie

Dam a stream

Pick blackberries growing in the wild

Explore inside a tree

Visit a farm

Go on a walk barefoot

Hunt for bugs

Find some frog spawn

Catch a falling leaf

Track wild animals

Skim a stone

Run around in the rain

Fly a kite

Catch a fish with a net

Eat an apple straight from a tree

Play conkers

Play in the snow

Make a daisy chain

Set up a snail race

Create some wild art

Play pooh sticks

Jump over waves

Make a grass trumpet

Hunt for fossils and bones

Go stargazing

Climb a huge hill

Explore a cave

Hold a scary beast

Discover what’s in a pond

Make a home for a wild animal

Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool

Bring up a butterfly

Catch a crab

Go on a nature walk at night

Try rock climbing

Cook on a campfire

Learn to ride a horse

Find a geocache

Canoe down a river

Plant it, grow it, eat it

Go swimming in the sea

Build a raft

Go bird watching

Nothing like starting them young so I’m going to try and get these ticked off. Plus I love a good bucket list.

February 5, 2018 2 comments

Adventure Explore National Trust Walking Woodland

Buggy walks in Toy’s Hill, Kent

Set in 200 acres of peaceful ancient woodland, Toy’s Hill is a idyllic place to come for a short walk. The area forms part of the Lower Greensand Ridge and is the highest point of the Kent Downs, meaning glorious, rewarding views can be found across the Weald of Kent.

There are a few different options walk wise ranging from a half a mile pushchair-friendly option to 6 miles of tramping through Chartwell country. The pushchair route is a nice half hour amble. There is a good viewpoint at the site of the old Weardale Manor plus a couple of dens for the kids to explore.

The 145 room Weadale Manor site is fascinating. All that is left now is the line of one wall but you can imagine how stately it would have been in its time. It was built in 1906 by Lord Weardale, a former MP and opposer of war and suffrage. After his death in 1923 his wife rarely visited, preferring to stay up in London. After her death in 1934 it fell into a state of disrepair and was demolished in 1939. Just 33 years of use.

The natural landscape has also been influenced by history. The old economy at Toy’s Hill was based upon charcoal burning, churtstone quarrying and livestock, and its mark can still be seen on walks here. Charcoal pits and quarries can be found and many of the ancient trees have been pollarded, which was done for grazing purposes.

Toy’s Hill contains plenty of nature for little ones to spot including bats, dormice, grass snakes, woodpeckers, bluebells, stag beetles and marigolds.

February 5, 2018 0 comment

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