Autumn is definitely here, with early twilight and misty mornings. But time in the garden doesn’t have to end just because summer has come to a close. With half term not too far away, it’s the perfect time to get the kids active in the outdoors.
A new book, ‘A Year of Nature Walks and Games’ by Becky Goddard-Hill and Catherine Hughes, is packed with projects to keep the youngsters having fun outdoors all year round. Making an apple bird feeder to hang in the garden will help keep our feathered friends happy as the days get colder. It's a great activity to enjoy together, and Becky and Catherine have kindly shared this project from their book with us below. And even better – there’s a giveaway too, with copies of the new book up for grabs, plus bundle of our children’s gardening tools.
Apple bird feeders
Birds love fruit, bird seed and nuts so you just know these bird feeders will go down a treat.You will need:
• String or twine
• Apples
• Bird seed
• Peanut butter
How to make them
1. Slice the apples (or ask your grown up to) into about five slices from the top down, across the core.
2. Using a cutlery knife, carefully cut a hole out of the middle of each slice, making sure to get rid of any seeds (apple seeds aren’t good for birds).
3. Now thread a piece of string through each hole and tie a knot to make a hanging loop. Use enough string so it can be hung on a branch.
4. Smear each slice with peanut butter and sprinkle on some bird seed. Press the seed gently into the peanut butter to make it stick.
5. Now simply hang the apple slices from your nearest tree and wait for the birds to spot them!
There’s a giveaway, too!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED
To celebrate the launch of ‘A Year of Nature Walks and Games’ we’re giving away copies of the new book and a selection of our kids’ gardening tools.
There are two prize bundles up for grabs, each prize including a children’s spade, digging fork, trowel, hand fork, and a watering can. Sized to be comfortable for smaller hands to use, these made-to-last children’s gardening tools are sure to help little ones’ green fingers to grow.
Each prize bundle also includes a copy of the new book, plus a copy of Becky and Catherine’s last book ‘A Year of Nature Craft and Play’ too. Together, each prize bundle is worth more than £120, and it will keep you inspired with lots of ideas for getting the kids outdoors and active, all year round.
To enter, you’ll need to head over to the website of Collins, the publisher of ‘A Year of Nature Walks and Games’.
We hope you enjoy a spot of outdoors-y fun with your youngsters this half term. Happy half term – and good luck in the giveaway!
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