Helping nature at school and home
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Looking to include your class or children in supporting nature on your doorstep? Here's some simple but meaningful actions you can take together. Each one makes a great class or school holidays project!
NatureLab Outdoor Learning
Let us plan and deliver outdoor learning for your pupils, from one off workshops to ongoing partnerships, all delivered by a qualified primary school teacher and available across the North West.
1) Wild Areas
Resist the urge to keep your garden or field too tidy!
Patches of long grass, wildflower areas, leaf piles, log piles and wildlife ponds are all incredibly important habitats for wildlife. They provide food, shelter and a place for animals to spend the long winters.
So next time you mow the lawn, consider leaving an area of long grass for insects and birds to feed. Or if you are raking up leaves, consider leaving a pile for bugs and hedgehogs to use.
2) Citizen Science
Upgrade your bug hunts or nature walks!
By recording wildlife when you are out and about, you can provide conservation and research organisations with vital data to help protect our wildlife. Simply record what species you, your class or your children see, and submit your results.
There are many organised citizen science projects during the year, such as the RSPB big garden birdwatch or Butterfly Conservation's big butterfly count. Or submit photos to iNaturalist or iRecord at any time.
For a list of citizen science projects you can take part in, visit Citizen science projects in the UK: volunteer to help nature - Earthwatch Europe
3) Native Plants
Champion native species on your patch!
Many of our native animals only feed or live on specific native plants. For instance the stunning cinnabar moth only feeds on common ragwort.
By planting native species (rather than exotic or ornamental plants), you are providing a far more beneficial food source for wildlife. When you are planting in your garden or school grounds, check that the plants you buy are UK natives wherever possible.
4) Campaigns
Make yourself heard and make a real difference!
Take some time to research local or national campaigns to support wildlife. Then take action to show your support.
You could:
Write to your MP or mayor
Make and display posters
Organise a fundraising event
Create and record a song or video
Write an article or blog piece
Teach others in your school or community
5) Homes for Wildlife
Turn your rubbish into a wildlife palace!
For a great craft or DT project, use rubbish to create homes for wildlife. Then test them in your garden or school grounds to see if anything moves in!
You could create bug hotels from shoeboxes and toilet roll tubes, birdfeeders from water bottles or design something new.
Here's some links to get you started:
NatureLab Wild Explorers birthday parties
Let us bring the party to you! Interactive nature and outdoor activities for 3-12 year olds, at your venue or home.
Comments