There is a wonderland of wildlife experiences waiting to be discovered during the winter months - despite being the coldest and darkest time of the year.
So, wrap up your youngsters in preparation for their wildest winter yet! Grab your gloves, pull on your wellies and immerse yourselves in The Wildlife Trusts’ brrr-illiant route to spending time with nature this Christmas.
My Wild Winter is an online wildlife and activity guide jam-packed with ideas and information, complemented by places to go and things to do. All will help families to explore nature and wild places, at home or on days out over the festive period. There’s also a reading list from which young readers can choose some great nature-inspired books - perfect for curling up with in comfy chairs during the Christmas school break.
Exploring nature at a young age can bring a lifetime of pleasure and winter offers a multitude of wildlife experiences to be had – build a shelter for yourself and a nest box for a bird, muck about with snow, ice and in the dark and identify wildlife from the tracks and signs they leave behind. Look out for deer, foxes, rabbits and different types of bird prints.
My Wild Winter activity guide is our free downloadable guide to wildlife, habitats and activities to look out for and try this winter, including a winter species wildlife spotting sheet checklist, puzzles and other inspiration.
Here at the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust we are certainly not hibernating for the winter!
On Sunday 28 December there is a Christmas Family Coppicing Day at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. A bracing morning of coppicing for all the family will be rewarded with drinks and a tasty stew for lunch! This is a free event but we ask that you book so we can supply the right amount of stew! More information and contact details can be found here.
If you feel the need for some fresh air and exercise discover a Trust nature reserve near you. Check our website for details and directions.
In the new year, our junior branch, Wildlife Watch, has some great activities planned for its local groups - Braunstone, Oadby & Wigston, and Rutland Water – and members can look forward to Family Events.
Photograph: Family trail (Elaine Ingram)
Related categories: Family Events
