Ceramic hanging candles,
£10.95, Little Book of Furniture
Now that summer has gone, it’s time to embrace the fresh ness of autumn. This is a really special time for nature and the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the plants, flowers and fruits that are now available.
- Now is the time to go blackberry picking. You can do this at a pick-your-own farm or if you happen to have a blackberry hedge in your garden, even better!
- Borrow a book on birds from your local library and find out which birds fly south for the winter. You may even be able to wave them off on their way!
- Conkers are starting to ripen now so revive the old art of conker playing.
- Take a trip to the local park or woodland and look at the leaves, which have started to change colour and fall. Collect the most unusual ones and take home to make a scrapbook.
- Plant your spring bulbs now – try daffodils and Hyacinth. Children love getting their hands mucky so ask them to join in and help but make sure they wear gardening gloves and wash their hands afterwards.
- Mushrooms and toadstools are at their best in autumn but if you find any, never touch them or eat them and make sure your children are aware of the dangers.
- Bats may appear in daylight to feed on insects that gather around the flowers of ivy. A great incentive for children to venture outdoors on a cold day!
- If you do get out and about, make sure you take waterproofs and warm clothing as the weather can change very quickly. A few bars of chocolate and a flask of hot soup or tea may also be most welcome.
Home bird house,
£5, Habitat
Gardener’s organiser,
£12.99, Strawberry Fool
Stockist
Habitat 0870 411 5501 www.habitat.net
Little Book of Furniture 020 7247 4445 www.littlebookoffurniture.com
Strawberry Fool 0845 226 9177 www.strawberryfool.co.uk