Exploring Nature in Summer

Hurray! Summer has arrived, bringing a much-awaited array of greenery, brightly coloured blooming flowers and sunshine.

Now that the days are warmer and longer, let’s get outside to discover all the signs of this delightful season. Search for wild ripe fruits, watch out for fluttering butterflies and ladybirds, and stop to enjoy the sweet scents of wild flowers, roses and lavender.

Take a small group outside ­– or just one person – to discover all the wonderful summery things in our Active Minds Summer Nature Explorer Book.

You’ll need

1. Active Minds Summer Nature Explorer Book

The activity

1. Plan an outing to a local park or a nearby area of natural beauty – or even just head into the garden
2. Flick through the Summer Nature Explorer Book before you head out, to familiarise everyone with the images
3. If it’s a hot day, plan to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not as strong
4. Go for a walk and encourage everyone to keep their eyes peeled, stopping to look and talk about anything interesting that catches their eye
5. Look through the book to find the image that matches what someone has seen (they might even find things that aren’t in the book)
6. Encourage everyone to look in the book as they go, to remind of them of seasonal images
7. Look at the back of the book to find the names of the images
8. Ask questions along the way, using the ones in the back of the book or making up your own
9. Head back home, once you’ve discovered lots of wild and beautiful things
10. Discuss what you’ve seen and enjoyed over a nice cool drink, using the book as a guide