Activity links

Currently due to Corona Virus there are severe restrictions on what you and your family can do. We can appreciate this will have a severe impact on your life and the reduction in being able to socialise may lead to a lower mood, or just feeling the need to get out of the house.

One of the things you can do is to go for walks or explore outdoor areas, which, you are still welcome to use (following the government advice - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance)

Below are some links for ideas for both adults and families to make use of the areas.

Over the coming days we will be developing some activities, so do check back here for more activities and ideas.
 
Outdoor Wellbeing
There is a lot of evidence that being outdoors and engaging with nature can increase your own wellbeing. These links give you some idea of things to do and how to experience nature.  
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/ https://www.forestryengland.uk/wellbeing https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/birdwatch-extra/forest-bathing-wellbeing/

Connecting with nature
Research has shown connections are good for us. These can be with nature as well as other people. These links give you some guidance in how to get to know nature better.
The sit spot - https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/information/creative-activities/sit%20spot.html Beginners guide to bird watching - https://www.bto.org/develop-your-skills/birding-basics Investigating insects - https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs/identify-a-bug/ Amphibians - https://www.froglife.org/info-advice/amphibians-and-reptiles/wildlife-spotting/ Tree Identification ­- https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/how-to-identify-trees/ Wild Plant identification - https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/spotter-sheets

Family activities to get you outside
With children being off for a while you will probably want to give them some activities to do. These link offer ideas for activities based around wildlife and outside.
RSPB activities for families and for schools groups (which can be done at home
https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/lesson-plans-and-supporting-resources/detective-equipment/ The Wildlife Trusts Watch Group for young people – with lots of activities
https://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/ https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wild-activities-families-and-schools Activity suggestions from The Forestry Commission
https://www.forestryengland.uk/family-activities Other
https://muddyfaces.co.uk/activity/ https://www.lotc.org.uk/fen/forest-education/resources/