Fun Winter lockdown activities 

As the UK enters another strict lockdown due to Covid-19, we’re all set to spend more time at home once again. To help you out, we have gathered some ideas to help your family discover nature on your doorstep during lockdown and over the coming months.

1.     Discover nature on a walk

Whilst you are getting your daily exercise, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Even though it is winter, there is plenty to see and hear. Encourage your family to look out for:

birds feasting on berries
squirrels scampering up and down trees
animal footprints in frost or snow
the tuneful singing of a robin
snowdrops popping up out of the ground.

2.     Help the wildlife in your garden

As we are in the depths of winter, your garden wildlife will appreciate some help to survive the colder months. Get your kids involved and make a feeder to help hungry birds. You can also put out fresh water for animals to drink and bathe in. If you have space, create a ‘wild pile’ of twigs, logs, and dead leaves in a quiet corner – it makes the perfect refuge where creepy crawlies, frogs and hedgehogs can hibernate.

3.     Go on a scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are great fun for all ages. You can do them in your garden, and they are also a good way to liven up family walks. Keep it simple for little ones and help them look for different colours or textures in nature. For older children, challenge them to hunt for seasonal signs such as snowdrops, berries, or frosty leaves.

You’ll find more ideas in our scavenger hunt blog and you can make up your own themes too.

4.     Become tree trackers

How well do you know the trees in your garden or neighbourhood? Your family can become expert tree trackers with the National Trust free Tree ID app. It features over 70 British trees and helps you learn how to identify them by their twigs, bark, leaves and fruits. Give it a go on your next walk and see which trees are living near you.