Think back to your childhood; do you picture a long drizzly Sunday, sat bored indoors on the sofa? No of course you don’t! All the best memories and adventures begin with the great outdoors.
As a child there is nothing more satisfying than sticking your wellies on and heading out into the big wide outside world. And why shouldn’t you be excited, there is so much to do!
Natural play is the best way to learn, making mistakes and learning the freedom of getting mucky! As children we have a natural affinity to play, the same as all animals. We use play to discover our natural environment and learn essential skills we keep with us forever.
What natural play will you discover...?
The great outdoors – David J Slater
So, your first challenge: find the correct materials. This is serious; the materials can make or literally break a den. It’s important you choose the sturdiest-looking logs, the best-looking leaves or branches and design your structure to fit your needs. You may need some string to tie your branches together.
Perfecting the den... – Aimme Burrows
Once you’ve got your main structure up and secure, use flowers or berries to decorate. You may want to add a chimney or a special door-knocker. Perfecting your den is a never-ending job.
The sky’s the limit on how many adventures you can have in your den. It could be a pirate ship sailing through the woods. A secret cabin which only you can see. It could be your very own rabbit warren protecting you from hungry foxes. Or it could even be a fairy house in the middle of the woods. Let your imagination run wild!
Everyone loves cooking up a muddy treat once in a while. Find a long wooden board to work on and some old cooking utensils and hey presto you’ve got yourself a mud kitchen!
Cooking up a muddy storm - Sylvafae
Make sure you grab lots of soil and have a water source nearby so to produce the finest of muddy concoctions. You can even add in leaves and twigs for an extra crunchy finish.
Scientists have actually proven that mud and dirt can lift your mood. Dirt contains special bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae which increases the level of serotonin in our brains – helping us to relax, soothe and calm ourselves. So getting muddy is good; it’s all in the science.
Ever looked at a stone and thought that looks a bit like an animal? Ever stopped to admire the red and orangey autumn leaves or the red of the berries, or the spikiness of the pine cones?
The list of things you can make with natural goodies is endless. All art started as a natural craft, using pigments from plants and berries. Create a picture frame out of gnarly sticks, make an autumn leaf collage or paint a hungry caterpillar out of rocks.
Getting arty and crafty outdoors gives so much freedom to experiment with different materials and make lovely decorations for your home or garden. You could even make natural presents for Christmas. How crafty will you be?
Making a natural picture frame - Olivia Betts
At RSPB Coombes Valley nature reserve, wild and outdoor play is our passion. This year we have created a new Family Nature Play Trail in a loop around our beautiful woodlands. Acquire a map from our friendly visitor team and go on an adventure; can you find the mud kitchen, the den building area or the secret fairy village? Explore all of our natural play features, and use your imagination to create even more!
Why not discover the Play Trail through our brand new Coombes Christmas Trail – Father Christmas and the Woodland Wardrobe. For more information click on the link: http://bit.ly/1FiPJRc
Exciting climbing hedgehog - Heather Watkin
Coombes Valley is open every day from 9-am until dusk. Visit us to enjoy our beautiful woodland trails, for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us at coombes.valley@rspb.org.uk or call 01538 384017. Visit us online at rspb.org.uk/coombesvalley.