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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Visiting nature

Time to take note of nature and discover how the world changes around us.

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You’ll need

  • A4 paper
  • Pens or pencils
  • Camera or phone (optional)

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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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?
  1. Remember to record the things around the natural area by writing, drawing or taking photos of what you see.
  2. 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.
  3. Repeat these visits at least four times over three months.
  4. 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.

Reflection

As well as the plants and wildlife changing, did you notice any other changes, such as litter, buildings, or the amount of people also visiting? How did these things affect the visiting place?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Outdoor activities

You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.

Animals and insects

Be aware of the risks before interacting with animals. Be aware of anyone with allergies, and make alternative arrangements for them.

Water games and activities

Be careful when doing activities with, in, or near water. Check surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping where possible. Make sure you have appropriate supervision for this activity.

When deciding on a natural place to visit, remember: it doesn’t have to be far from home. Consider using a garden or local outdoor area. If you’d prefer not to write down the changes in the area, why not take photos or sketch them?

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

After noticing the changes in the natural area, is there anything that could be done to help this area? Could you pick up the litter, fix broken things, support the wildlife by adding hedgehog homes or bug hotels? How could you help?