You know when you buy your kids a great gift and they spend longer playing with the box that it came in? Well, my daughter is like that: every bottle, jar, tub, can and piece of wrapping paper is, in her eyes, an untapped source of boundless creative opportunity. And why not? Reusing and recycling […]
The June Junk Challenge Read More »
One of the many brilliant things about natural play is that it doesn’t take much, if any, preparation! And sunny days deliver an abundance of fun play opportunities, whether your children are at home or out and about with you. Here are some quick, easy and super fun sunny day play activities for you and
Solar-powered play! Read More »
In recognition of World Oceans Day 2024 on June 8th, we’re all about water: playing with it, saving it and making sure wildlife has access to it! There is so much joyful and learning to be had around water for children, including learning how to use water responsibly and safely, creating water habitats and drinking
Water Play the Sustainable Way Read More »
Chaos Gardening has become a bit of a buzz-term, but it has a lot going for it. Not only is it a sustainable way of growing in that it uses old seed, compost and growing containers that might otherwise go to waste, but the results is a surprising patchwork of plants that provides a diverse
As the summer approaches, wild plants are bursting through the pavement cracks and brightening roadside verges. And it’s one of my favourite sights! This display of strength and beauty against adversity is a hope-filled reminder that with just a little consistent effort, we can make great and beautiful things happen; that even when we’re feeling
Let’s be more wildflower Read More »
There are few things as jolly and brilliant for biodiversity as a wildflower meadow. But while most of us probably don’t have our own meadows (yeah, only in my dreams!), that’s not to say our children can’t create their own little wildflower haven on the doorstep. The MOST fun (and Banksy-esque) way of doing this is by
Scatter some seedy love! Read More »
It’s that time of year when those glorious little elderberries are glistening like purple jewels from the elder tree. I love little more than free food, or the look on the face of a child who’s eating something delicious made by them with ingredients that they themselves harvested or foraged! Some care must be taken
A foraging favourite: Elderberry and Dark Chocolate Muffins (vegan) Read More »
Walking barefoot on grass – also known as ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’ – is quite the wonder remedy, whatever your age. Did you know that at birth children’s feet contain no bones at all, purely cartilage? Well, I didn’t until I started researching the benefits to kids of being barefoot! As children grow, this cartilage ossifies
If your family is going to grow any plant, lavender is one of the heroes! It’s one of my favourites for growing with kids, and we have always had at least one variety growing at the Secret Garden Learning HQ. Why? Well it not only looks and smells gorgeous, but it’s a winner for boosting
Purple reign: Lavender wand magic! Read More »
