The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Discovering just how great the outdoors is
Get the kids outside this summer and you’ll discover that you don’t have to go far to enjoy nature for free, writes Caroline Lindsay
Jeff Waddell, senior nature conservation adviser for National Trust for Scotland (NTS), recalls happy days playing outside when he was a child. “This wasn’t too long ago and we did have computers then, but they weren’t so dominating,” he said. “I have a 10-year-old son now and I know times have changed and he likes a lot of time to play games online with his mates. But I feel it’s important he gets outside and has some time in nature for his health and happiness.”
So why is it important for children – and adults – to spend time outdoors in nature?
“It’s good for physical and mental health. Kids can play naturally, without games consoles, and form friendships through adventures and other activities. Nature is a great environment for learning and a great place for having fun.
“Kids know what to do instinctively once they get a chance,” Jeff reasons. “Young kids might be bored to start with if they haven’t tried it before but, after they relax, they will start looking at their surroundings and finding things to do instinctively, like climbing on a rock or a tree, or throwing a stone in a puddle.
“Older kids may need some more prompting, so a good first step is to get them to leave their mobile phones at home and just go for a walk in a local wood or hill,” suggests Jeff.
“Guided walks by rangers may be a good introduction for older kids and could spark a deep interest that may stay with them the rest of their lives.”
And don’t let rain stop play either
– just make sure you’re dressed appropriately and it’s not too cold.
“Kids tend to be less bothered by the rain than adults,” he says. “Woodlands can be good places to visit when it’s raining as they are more sheltered. And be careful not to get caught out by the weather if you’re climbing a hill.”
It’s good to encourage children to take home souvenirs of their time outdoors, like feathers and pine cones, but Jeff adds a proviso: “I would encourage folk to take things responsibly from nature. Plants that are obviously abundant in an area are OK to collect as long as you’re not on a nature reserve – just take a couple and don’t uproot them,” he advises.
“Any insects you find are likely to be common, too,” he said.
“Cones or leaves can be interesting, as there are not too many types and they can be identified using a book or online,” he continues.
“Children can get a lot of satisfaction through collecting and finding out more about what they have found.
“Ensure your child is supervised or informed so they don’t touch irritating plants such as nettles or giant hogweed – the two main species to look out for in Scotland, but watch out for anything with jaggy stems or spines.”
The National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Lidl supermarkets to keep creativity going during the lockdown and have put their heads together to come up with familyfriendly craft activities that can be done from home and the garden, including a marvellous mini beasts spotters’ guide, and making your own binoculars and bird feeder.
The activities are included in the latest edition of The Lidl Book Of Big Adventures, available from Lidl stores and selected Trust properties.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus crisis and the ensuing lockdown have given the country’s tourist organisation VisitScotland an opportunity to think differently.
“As restrictions ease, we will be focusing on helping Scots rediscover their own country, showcasing hidden gems and highlighting little adventures that are close to home,” says Eva Kwiecinska, VisitScotland senior content marketing manager.
“Being outdoors opens a world of new opportunities – the chance to run around unrestricted, use our imaginations and learn about our history and environment.
“This is particularly important as we all start to take responsibility for protecting and preserving our natural resources,” Eva reflects.
“2020 is the Year of Coasts and Waters and this has gifted us a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on Scotland’s waterways,” says Eva.
“A trip to the seaside is always a winner. We have some beautiful beaches, especially locally within
Tayside. Arbroath, Montrose and Silversands, to name just a few, are ideal for rock pooling, picnics or a paddle in the sea.
And, of course, the lochs in Perthshire are another great way to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful landscapes.
“Locally, we can’t forget the River Tay. There are so many gorgeous places to pull up for a picnic, look for wildlife or try a spot of stone skimming,” she says.
Back on dry land, parks are also another great option.
“Many now have playparks to entertain younger visitors, but you’ll also find activities, wildlife walks or simple trails which are perfect for exploring,” she said.
“For parents keen to help their children learn more about Scotland’s past, download the free In the Footsteps Of Kings augmented reality app and see historic sites across Fife come to life,” she suggests.
Finally, later in the summer why not try stargazing?
“Scotland has some of the largest expanses of dark sky in Europe,” Eva says.
“We’ve recently launched a stargazing toolkit packed with activities and information to get you out and looking up.”
“We are a country packed with little adventures, perfect for visitors of all ages,” Eva says.
And it is this concept that VisitScotland used for their new family activity which it will be launching shortly.
“Little Adventures looks at Scotland through the eyes of children, taking landmarks and attractions and using them as the settings for exciting quests and epic journeys,” Eva explains.
As restrictions ease and we begin to travel again, it’s important to remember that our experiences might be a little bit different than they were before.
Keep a physical distance from others by two metres at all times, both indoors and outdoors. For the time being stay local and before travelling make sure you know before you go whether attractions and facilities are open and welcoming visitors.
For more information and inspiration go to visitscotland.com
Top tips from the Woodland Trust
1. Spot signs of summer
Can you see summer flowers blooming, or spot butterflies fluttering by? Keep your eyes peeled for caterpillars, bees, grasshoppers and trees in full leaf, too.
2. Have a twig boat race
Simply gather some twigs from your garden, line them up and fasten them together with string. Slot an upright stick into your raft to make a mast and thread a leaf or two onto it for the sails.
Once you’ve made them, try your boats out in a paddling pool or in your bath. Have a race and see who can blow their boat from one side to the other first.
3. Make a minibeast mask
Cut a paper plate in half, or cut out a semi-circle from some card. Make two eye holes and cut out a notch for your child’s nose. Now decide which minibeast they’d like to be and get creative with the decorating.
When you’ve finished, punch a hole at either side and attach some string so your child can wear it. Afterwards, why not do some research about your child’s minibeast and see what you can find out?
4. Listen to the sounds of summer Head out into your garden or open a window, and listen for sounds of summer. You might find closing your eyes helps you focus. Can you hear chirping grasshoppers, buzzing bees, tweeting birds or leaves being ruffled by the breeze? What else do you hear?
5. Go butterfly spotting Butterfly spotting is a great way for kids to hone their observational skills, and summer is a great time to do it. Once you’re back inside, why not research them and have a go at drawing your favourite?
6. Try stick weaving
This natural craft is a wonderful way for youngsters to get creative. Find a Y-shaped stick and wrap some wool around it to make a loom. Then gather natural items from your garden or while you’re doing your daily exercise and weave them into it. Just make sure you don’t pick wild flowers or pull bits off trees – look for fallen petals and leaves instead.
And there you have it – these activities will help keep your kids occupied while teaching them all about nature this summer.
woodlandtrust.org.uk