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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

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Cubs Naturalist Activity Badge

Cubs Naturalist Activity Badge

Naturalist badge

Learn how to identify different trees, birds and flowers. Sit back and watch the seasons change.

This badge is all about engaging with the natural world, and showing others why it's so special.

How to earn your badge:

  1. Learn how to identify six different living things from two of these categories:
    • trees
    • garden birds
    • water birds
    • minibeasts and insects
    • wild flowers
    • pond dwellers
    • fungi
    • butterflies and moths

    That means you should have 12 examples in total.

  2. Over three months, visit the same natural area at least four times.

    Take a note of the changes in the plants and wildlife that you see. You might visit a garden, hedgerow, canal, river lake or park. Make sure that you have an adult’s permission for the visits.

  3. Learn the countryside code and how to follow it.
  4. Choose one of these activities to do:
    1. Make a hedgehog, ladybird or bee house.
    2. Create a piece of art using natural material. You could do a bark or leaf rubbing, dried flower picture or maybe a collage.
    3. With an adult pick wild edible berries, leaves or fruit. Use them in a recipe.
    4. Use a dye that uses natural ingredients to colour a piece of material.
    5. Make a feeding station for birds. Get permission to hang it in a good position.

Tips

  • Before you visit a natural area for requirement two, an adult must agree that you can go. They must know where you are and how long you’re going to be there.
  • If you choose to pick wild edible berries, leaves, or fruit for requirement four, make sure you know what each plant is (and that it's safe to eat). If you're not sure, don't eat it.

March 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

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