9 April 2020
We know that some people may be looking for some inspiration for ideas to keep occupied over the spring break and beyond.
We would usually be welcoming families to enjoy activities across the Lake District National Park, including our visitor centre, Brockhole. Unfortunately, we’re not able to just now so we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a list of the best nature learning resources we can see for children and families.
Here are our top sites to visit for some inspiration and ideas for things you can do inside, in the garden, to keep you and your children entertained. If you don't have a garden, don’t worry, there’s still lots for you in these suggestions.
Please remember to Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save lives.
The Wildlife Trusts have some lovely ideas of projects to help wildlife in your garden, from instructions on how to build bug hotels to wildlife friendly vegetable gardens. A great way to spend time whilst staying at home.
They also have some great webcams to watch wildlife around the country from the comfort of your own home. Just because we can't go out doesn't mean we can't see what the wildlife is up to!
The Woodland Trust have 'Tree Tools for Schools' and craft ideas
They have all sorts of wildlife spotter sheets you can use in your garden as well other practical activities and facts about everything natural! There are printable sheets and some interactive quizzes too, with links to the science curriculum for both KS1 and KS2.
Calling all wildlife lovers and crafters! The RSPB have a fun and learning section with some excellent ideas for activities that you can do at home, inside and out, as well as interactive games.
They also have some lovely wildlife inspired audio stories and stories to read on their website too.
Naturally Learning has some lovely ideas for outdoor fun you can have with little ones in the garden.
For those budding meteorologists why not visit the the Met Office for everything weather-related! Take a look in their 'learn about' section for schools, they have some cool experiments to try at home as well as colouring sheets, weather facts and videos.
The OS Mapzone has interactive games and information to help your aspiring mountaineers.
Also keep an eye on their Get Outside Inside page which shares ideas to bring the outdoors in, with navigation practice and garden ideas.
Looking for some evening inspiration? Check out the Friends of the Lake District’s Dark Skies Cumbria with their ‘Dark Skies Discovery Pack’ and stargazing tips that you can adapt to use in your garden or from a window. The evenings may be getting lighter but it doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the stunning night sky.
And finally for the green fingered out there, try the BBC Gardening with Children for some ideas for what to grow and other fun activities for your garden.
For those of you on Instagram there are some great accounts and # to follow for inspiration so get searching. Two of our favourite places to see what people have been up to are: #naturecrafts and #natureplay
John Muir was an amazing man whose love of nature inspired the protection landscapes and the formation of National Parks!
The John Muir Award is an environmental award that anyone can do . They’ve produced some fantastic resources, which we think you will love!
We hope that you have been inspired to try out even a few new activities over the coming weeks. Have fun!
Staff Blogger
Brockhole Learning Coordinator
