Visiting nature

Before you begin

1. This activity can be completed independently from regular section meetings.
2. Think about an outside natural area that you visit often. Places such as parks, river areas, gardens, campsites, nature reserves, countryside footpaths and even school fields.
3. Decide on a natural area to visit.

4. Make sure an adult, parent or guardian agrees on these visits. Does an adult need to be part of the visit itself or can this be done alone? Be sure to agree on this, so everyone involved understands what the requirements are and why this is being done.

5. Decide on how to document these visits. You could write, draw or take photos with a camera or phone.

Go exploring

1. Before visiting the chosen natural area, gather together the things you need to record what you find.
2. Dress for the weather at the time of the visit and inform an adult, parent or guardian of the visit.
3. During the visit to the natural area, it’s good to consider:

• • What does the ground look like and feel to walk on? Is it hard, soft, crunchy, slippery?
  • How do the trees look? Do you think they are old trees? Why? What do the leaves look like?
  • Can any wildlife be seen or heard? Look up high and down low.
  • What is the weather like?
  • What else can be seen or heard? Traffic? People enjoying themselves?

4. Remember to record the things around the natural area by writing, drawing or taking photos of what you see.
5. Before the next visit, look back on your records from the visit before. During your next visit, compare how the natural area has changed. Keep a record of this.
6. Repeat these visits at least four times over three months.
7. After all the visits have been completed, pull together all the notes, drawings and photos and tell your section about where you explored and what you discovered.