Day 22 - Secret trails, tree climbing and mini dens

Summer is a great time to go exploring with your friends! Have a look on our website to find a nature reserve near you, or try the Visit Woods site to discover somewhere new to go. There are lots of things you can do when out and about in a wild place, try making a trail to a summer treasure or find a large tree to climb. When you are hidden amongst the leaves, sit really quietly and look around, the quieter you are the more wildlife you will see. Imagine being a baby bird in a nest or a spider building a web or even a caterpillar nibbling away at a leaf.

All creatures need air, water, food and shelter so why not build a mini shelter for an imaginary creature of the woods, using sticks, leaves, moss,and anything else you can find. See if you can camouflage it at the base of a tree or under a large fern perhaps, to keep your creature safe from predators. Get your friend to make one too and then compare the two. Did you create luxury accommodation or a budget hostel?

Day 10 - WildAbout play scheme

If you're aged 8-12 don't forget to book a place on next week's forest school play scheme in association with Bristol Zoo, so that you can properly get out into the wilds and have some fun. WildAbout hosts summer holiday activities in a beautiful, secluded, private woodland on the outskirts of Bristol. Get creative with nature and make clay creatures, musical instruments and dream catchers. Learn woodland skills such as firecraft and spoon whittling, build a den and then cook your lunch over an open fire.

The play scheme runs all week, starting from August 13 and booking is essential. For more info email Jackie Roby or call 0117 974 7354.

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Day 1 : Den Building at Portbury Wharf

Children love the thrill of making their own little hideout whether its a blanket over upturned chairs in the garden or a secret fort made of mud and sticks in the woods. Portbury Wharf nature reserve is holding a playday all about den building and animal homes on Wednesday the 1st of August

To book click here (pre-booking essential)

To find out more about the wetland habitat and wildlife that Portbury Wharf has to offer check out our guide to the reserve including directions.
And if you just want to brush up on your den building techniques then download these simple structural den making tips from visitwoods.