Exploring Nature in Autumn

Time

4 3 2 1 Early-Mid Stages

Benefits

Participants

One to One or Group Activity

What you need

A list of all things to spot autumnal - see activity for list

Intro

It’s always a bit sad when summer ends, but there’s an irresistible charm and beauty to autumn that makes the transition that little bit easier.

Falling leaves changing from green to yellow, orange and gold mark the beginning of the season – the perfect time to venture outdoors and explore! Seek out the animals getting ready for a long slumber. Look for nuts and seeds falling from the trees (unless the squirrels have got there first!) Feel the leaves crunch underfoot – and grab some conkers for a game later.

Whether it’s cool and crisp or surprisingly balmy, head out with a small group or just one person.

Top tip

If you have a park nearby that you can explore, take a few nuts with you, these will prove tempting for the squirrels and can enjoy feeding them if the person or group would like to.

The Activity

Plan an outing to a local park or a nearby area of natural beauty – or even just head into the garden.
Before you head out, have a chat about what kind of things you will be looking for.
Make sure you choose a dry day for the walk, and remember to put on an extra layer and a scarf to protect yourselves from the cooler, windier weather.
Go for a walk and encourage everyone to keep their eyes peeled, stopping to look and talk about anything interesting that catches their eye.
Look for things such as Red, Orange and Yellow leaves, Conkers, Acorns, Blackberries, Begonias, Fuscias and see if you can spot a Squirrel or a hedgehog if you are lucky.
Encourage everyone to take in all the autumnal surroundings as they go along
Ask questions along the way as you make your discoveries.
Head back home, once you’ve discovered lots of beautiful things, and soaked up the warm hues of autumn.
Discuss what you’ve seen and enjoyed, and warm up with a nice hot cuppa.