Let's Go On A Winter Nature Hunt! (With Free Activity Poster)
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Let’s Go On A Winter Nature Hunt! (With Free Activity Poster)

Let's Go On A Winter Nature Hunt! (With Free Activity Poster)

Winter has arrived, and, along with this new, cold season, come some remarkable things for children to see outside in the natural world — and that’s exactly what today’s post is all about. It’s a challenge to little ones to see if they can spot 20 nature-related things outdoors over the coming winter months. What’s more, it comes with a free poster that children can download, print out, and use for reference while they’re out and about on their Winter Nature Hunt.

When Is Winter?

According to the Astronomical calendar, winter arrived with us on December 21, 2025, at what’s known as the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. It’ll remain with us until the Spring Equinox on March 20, 2026, when days and nights once again even up to become virtually of equal length.

In contrast, winter is said to arrive on the first day of December and end on the last day of February — 3 whole calendar months — according to the Meteorological Calendar. That particular calendar works in ‘full’ months as a way of keeping things simple, for example, for weather services and records.

What Can Children Look Out for in Winter?

Take a look at the preview of the reference poster below and the commentary that follows. Despite winter being the season when nature is mostly dormant, it is packed full of interesting and exciting things for children to look out for. Download or view the poster by clicking it, then save it to your device, and print it out to A4 or A5. Children can take this with them on their Winter Nature Hunt and see how many of the 20 suggestions they can discover. Tick boxes are provided.

Winter Nature Hunt reference poster preview — click to view or download.

Magical Snowflakes

With winter arriving, it’s certainly cold out there! That means that snow is more likely to arrive at some point. When it does, children can look out for the little miracles that are snowflakes. Each one is amazing, as children will see if one lands softly on their winter jacket or gloves. By looking closely, your little one will see the intricate 6-pointed shape that’s unique to each flake. Snowflakes really are miraculous! They will both enthral and amaze children if they take a moment to look carefully and compare one snowflake to another.

Icicles

Once the snow starts to thaw, children can also look out for another natural wonder on our Nature Hunt list — icicles. They’re beautiful too, in their own way, each telling a story of the dripping water that’s formed them.

Animal & Bird Tracks

When there’s a blanket of snow on the ground, children will also be able to look out for animal tracks and the footprints of birds. If there’s no snow, it’s still possible to do so by looking in patches of mud (all such activities undertaken with close adult supervision, of course). Such prints are a great way to see which creatures have been passing through at some point earlier in the day or night.

Frost-Encrusted Plants, Trees & Spiders’ Webs

Frost is also rather magical when it arrives, especially first thing on a winter’s morning when it coats literally everything. Children can look out for leaves, grasses, and even spiders’ webs bejewelled in the tiny crystals of ice that make frost. They make the landscape’s plants and trees look magical! And those spiders’ webs look so incredibly decorative when coated, whether by frost, morning dew, or even raindrops. Nature is incredibly beautiful, and children will instinctively be drawn to such wonder.

Leaf Skeletons

Leaf skeletons are another natural wonder for children to look out for. They may not be so easy to discover, but they are out there if children take the time to look. Once found, children will be delighted and intrigued by the fine, structural filigrees that make up the leaf shapes. Leaf skeletons are also something children can take home to press between the pages of a book or pad, so they dry flat. They can be used simply as keepsakes or as part of a creative activity of some kind.

Winter Visitors Like Birds & Squirrels

Let’s also not forget some of the feathered and furry friends that little ones can look out for in winter. On the free poster, we’ve highlighted just three as a starting point — robins, blackbirds, and grey squirrels. All such creatures may become regular winter visitors if the right food is provided. Birds love sunflower hearts and grated Cheddar cheese, for example (learn more in our Simple Bird Feeders guide). Squirrels love nuts, seeds, and sunflower hearts too, as well as bird-safe peanuts. Such foods are very much welcomed by many of nature’s garden visitors over winter, when natural food sources are so depleted.

Lichen, Mistletoe, Pine Cones, & Much More

Other items that will intrigue children are also included on the free poster, for example, lichen, mistletoe, pine cones, and pine needles. Speaking of trees, we also highlight two major types of trees for little ones to look out for and compare; evergreens have leaves or pine needles all year round, while deciduous trees shed leaves in autumn and have bare branches throughout winter. All such natural occurrences can spark educational conversations between parent and child. Children can learn so much from nature and the world around them. Our poster is just a starting point, though, and there are many more interesting, educational, and amazing things to look out for during the winter months if children and families take the time to proactively look. Nature is amazing but, what’s more, nature is incredibly good for children (and adults). This is therefore a very worthwhile activity — have fun!

More Free Nature Activity Posters for Kids!

Today’s Winter Nature Hunt activity is one of a series that each comes with a free, downloadable poster for children. So, why not also try our Spring Nature Hunt activity, Autumn Nature Hunt, and Leaf Nature Hunt activity? We also have a free British Land Mammals poster, Minibeast spotting poster, Bird spotting poster, and Butterfly spotting poster for families to use as the basis of more outdoor activities. Click the bold links for more information and free downloads.

More children's activity posters are available free from this website.

Little Acorns Nursery

Padiham’s Premier Childcare Service

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End. Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider of childcare in all categories.Little Acorns Nursery is a wonderful weekday childcare setting in Padiham, where children’s learning and development are nurtured in a warm, home-from-home setting. With its own garden and nature zone, little ones get to enjoy nature safely on-site, as well as benefit from the fabulous activities, resources, and facilities indoors. Recognised by Ofsted as a good childcare provider, Little Acorns really is an excellent choice for early years childcare.

To learn more, enrol your child for a place, or come for a guided visit, please get in touch today:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery in Padiham, Lancashire, that provides first-class weekday childcare to local families, virtually all year round. As well as serving those in Padiham, we may also suit families nearby in places like Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End.

Alert Alert

Safety First!

Don’t forget: children, particularly the youngest, should always be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible adult when exploring outdoors — there are many hazards out there!

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Magical Childhood Moments — Simple Ways to Nurture Wonder in Under-5s
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Magical Childhood Moments — Simple Ways to Nurture Wonder in Under-5s

Magical Childhood Moments — Simple Ways to Nurture Wonder in Under-5s

Young children experience the world differently to adults, noticing details we’ve long since stopped paying attention to — like a cloud shaped like an animal.Childhood is full of magic — not just the kind found in fairy tales, but also the quiet, everyday kind that’s instinctively fed by a child’s curiosity. Little ones have an innate sense of wonder; the world is vast, mysterious, and full of possibility. Whether they’ve discovered a camouflaged moth on a tree trunk, a rainbow stretching across the sky, or the miraculous shape of a fresh snowflake, each can feel like an amazing discovery to a young child. And they really are amazing!

As parents and caregivers, we have the privilege of seeing that magic unfold to our children. We also have the power to nurture it. Sometimes such moments appear in the most unexpected of places, while at other times, they grow from shared adventures that have taken a little more planning. All such experiences can become treasured memories that a child can carry with them for years — and we can help.

See the World Through Their Eyes

Childhood is full of magic — even in quiet moments of discovery that instinctively feed children's curiosity.Young children experience the world differently to adults. They notice details we’ve long since stopped paying attention to — the way water ripples in a puddle, a cloud that may be shaped like an animal, or the captivating sparkle of a ‘special’ rock as it glints in the sun. To little ones, these are truly magical. What’s more, they’re all around us but, with our busy lives, go unnoticed so often by adults.

However, such wonders are to be celebrated! Taking time to see things from a child’s perspective helps you reconnect with that sense of awe. As well as reinforcing how magical the world is to little ones, it also reminds you what you may have forgotten about the amazing planet we inhabit. So, next time you’re walking or exploring outdoors with your child, try slowing down and letting your child lead the way. You might find yourself stopping every few steps to inspect something special that you’d have otherwise passed by. To young children, such exploration and discovery is a truly magical part of childhood. What’s more, reconnecting with such moments can open adults’ eyes to forgotten wonders too.

Even ordinary outings can become big adventures when seen through a child’s eyes. For young children, a trip to a new park, feeding some particularly fancy ducks, or watching an unusually spectacular sunset can seem every bit as magical as a faraway journey.

Nature’s Magic in Everyday Moments

The natural world offers endless opportunities for children to experience wonder.The natural world offers endless opportunities for children to experience wonder. It’s a place where all the senses come alive. Take time with your child, therefore, to enjoy such opportunities — the feel and beauty of soft moss, the smell of fresh rain in the air, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and a million other such possibilities.

Everyday nature moments can be as simple as collecting interesting leaves, following the flight of a butterfly, or taking time to listen to birds singing in a forest. These small discoveries encourage curiosity, teach children about the universe, and help them feel more connected to the world they live in. Follow the bold, green links to download free reference sheets for such activities.

Childhood Magic in Bigger Adventures

Sometimes, though, it’s worth going a little further to proactively create an experience that feels truly special to you and your child.

On a warm summer night, sit outside together to watch the stars. See if your child can spot a satellite on its journey, or a shooting star racing across the sky.Starry nights lend us a good example. On a warm summer night, perhaps wrap up in blankets, grab a hot chocolate, and sit outside together to watch the stars. See if your child can spot a satellite on its quiet journey, or a shooting star racing across the night sky. Discuss what it might be like up there in space. Ponder whether there are other creatures on faraway planets looking back at us — perhaps a tiny speck of light to them, just as they are to us. We don’t have all the answers to such big questions, but that’s OK — it demonstrates the enormity and complexity of life and the universe — and can only increase the child’s sense of wonder.

A sunset watch is another good example. Find a high spot or hilltop together and take a half hour or so to watch the colours of the sunset sky together. Notice the luminous clouds and beams of light shift and change as the sun makes its way down towards the horizon (avoid looking directly at the sun, of course). Discuss how the day is drawing to a close as the sun dips down and disappears — only to reappear come morning as we travel together on this planetary merry-go-round.

Take time with your child to watch the wonders of a fabulous sunset, or delight them with a pre-planned "adventure".

A family adventure or expedition is another great way to give focus to some magical childhood moments. First, build some excitement by announcing the plan for an expedition or ramble in advance. Perhaps it’ll be along a local trail, scenic path, river route, or in an interesting new park. Be sure to call it an “adventure.” Take a picnic, stop to watch horses, feed ducks on a river, or visit a cosy café or tearoom along the way. On such a trip, there is an incredible array of opportunities for memorable and magical moments to mesmerise your child. Whether it’s a spectacular butterfly, a caterpillar that your child has never seen before, an amazing wildflower meadow buzzing with chirping crickets, or an exciting view or discovery around a corner, there is so much to excite and fascinate a young child!

It’s important to know that these little adventures don’t need to be elaborate or costly, though — it’s the sense of discovery, and the feeling of doing something special together, that makes them unforgettable — and wonderful learning moments too.

Cherish Everyday Wonder & Emotional Connections Through Shared Moments

The most meaningful memories from childhood often come from simple moments of togetherness that make a child feel curious, loved, and seen.Magical memories often come not just from what we do with our children, but how we do it. Giving a child and their special discoveries your full attention, feeding back, pondering questions, and marvelling together, all make such moments more special and memorable. The real magic lies in connection — in being fully present with your child, sharing laughter, the sense of wonder, and the warmth of togetherness. The most meaningful memories from childhood need not come from big events or expensive outings — they often come from simple moments that make a child feel curious, loved, and seen.

So, next time your little one spots something wonderful — an interesting feather, dewdrops caught on a web, a sunbeam coming through the clouds — take a moment to pause with them. Those few seconds of shared wonder might just become one of their most magical memories, or rightfully fill them with awe at our incredible world.

Little Acorns: a High-Quality Childcare Nursery in Padiham

A Weekday Childcare Service for Children Under 5

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End. Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider of childcare in all categories.If you are looking for a good childcare nursery in Padiham for your baby or child under five, consider Little Acorns Nursery. We provide a wonderful home-from-home environment for children under our care, nurturing their learning and development proactively to bring out the very best in them. In this way, they become as school-ready as possible by the time they are old enough to begin school. As well as serving Padiham families, we may also suit those nearby in Burnley, Hapton, Rose Grove, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End. We are rated as a ‘Good Provider’ by Ofsted and support free childcare funding for eligible families.

Click one of the buttons below to begin your child’s application, to ask questions, or to arrange a free tour of this fabulous Padiham nursery.

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822
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The Importance of Outdoor Play in the Early Years: A Guide for Parents
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The Importance of Outdoor Play in the Early Years: A Guide for Parents

The Importance of Outdoor Play in the Early Years: A Guide for Parents

Outdoor play is essential for children's learning, growth, and wellbeing.There’s something truly magical about childhood spent outdoors — the feel of grass under little feet, the thrill of climbing onto a rustic log for the first time, the delight in spotting a ladybird on a leaf, or precious time spent playing with friends. However, in today’s busy, screen-filled world, many children spend far less time outside than previous generations. For children in their early years — toddlers and preschoolers — this simple joy isn’t just fun; it is essential for learning, growth, and wellbeing. Today’s guide explores why outdoor play is so important and offers practical ideas for making it part of everyday life.

Why Outdoor Play Matters in the Early Years

The first five years of life are a period of extraordinary growth. Every day brings new experiences, discoveries, and opportunities for children to develop cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially. Outdoor play gives children the richest of environments to explore all these aspects naturally.

“Outdoor play is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of healthy early childhood development.”

Outdoor play is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of healthy early childhood development.Being outdoors provides more than just fresh air — it encourages movement, sparks curiosity, inspires confidence, and helps children develop in a myriad of ways. Whether they are running across a playground, climbing a tree, or watching an insect on a leaf, children are learning about the world around them and practising skills that will serve them for years to come. Outdoor play is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of healthy early childhood development.

Some of the Many Benefits of Outdoor Play

Enhanced Physical Development

Young children need to build fitness, strength, coordination, and balance, and outdoor play is perfect for this.Young children need to build fitness, strength, coordination, and balance, and outdoor play is perfect for this. Running across open spaces, jumping over puddles, or navigating uneven ground all support fitness, muscular development, and bone health. Even small movements like digging in the garden or balancing on playground equipment help children grow stronger, hone balance and coordination, and become more agile.

Cognitive Growth

The outdoors is full of opportunities for learning through exploration. Children discover cause and effect, practise problem-solving, and develop creativity as they invent games or use natural materials like sticks and stones in imaginative play. The unpredictability of natural environments challenges young minds in ways indoor spaces often cannot.

Improved Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Playing outside teaches important social skills and also nurtures emotional resilience.Playing outside with other children is huge fun! It also teaches important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. It also nurtures emotional resilience — learning to manage disappointment when a game doesn’t go their way, or the thrill of conquering a slightly scary obstacle, helps build confidence. Outdoor play also offers children a sense of freedom and independence, which is crucial for developing self-esteem.

A Connection with Nature

Time spent outdoors fosters curiosity about the natural world and can encourage care and respect for the environment. Observing seasonal changes, noticing insects, or hearing birds sing provides sensory experiences that support relaxation and reduce stress, even for very young children. It’s a magical world out there and, all on its own, nature holds an enormous range of benefits for children — and adults!

Everyday Outdoor Play Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

The simplest outdoor play activities can often be the most rewarding.Some parents may worry that they need large gardens or special equipment to provide meaningful outdoor play, but this isn’t the case. The simplest activities can often be the most rewarding. Jumping in or over puddles, drawing with chalk on the pavement, building things with sticks, or collecting leaves are all rich in learning opportunities. Even short, daily bursts of outdoor play — a walk to the local shop, a few minutes in the garden, or time spent in a nearby park — all add up and make a real difference to children’s development.

Seasonal Opportunities for Outdoor Play

Outdoor play offers unique possibilities throughout the year.Outdoor play offers unique possibilities throughout the year. In spring, puddles, mud, and budding flowers provide endless opportunities for springtime exploration. Summer brings longer days that are perfect for nature walks, picnics, and bug hunts. Autumn invites children to play with fallen leaves, explore changing colours, and collect natural treasures. Even winter offers adventure: frosty mornings, snow if it falls, or simply noticing the crisp air and watching breath cloud in the cold. Outdoors, every season can become an opportunity for discovery and growth.

Safety and Confidence Outdoors

It’s natural for parents to feel cautious about outdoor play, whether worried about mishaps, inclement weather, or clothes getting dirty — but that’s where a little preparation can help. Dressing children appropriately for the conditions, supervising but allowing independence, and accepting a bit of mess as part of the experience, will all help children to play freely and safely. Small risks — like climbing a low tree branch or balancing along a path — are not only manageable but also valuable for learning self-confidence, risk assessment, and resilience in little ones.

Making Outdoor Play a Habit

The best way to reap the benefits of outdoor play is to make it a regular part of your child’s routine.The best way to reap the benefits of outdoor play is to make it a regular part of your child’s routine. Even brief, daily sessions of outdoor activity have lasting benefits. Walks to the park, nursery, or school, time spent exploring a garden, or creating simple outdoor rituals like a nature scavenger hunt can all help children become comfortable, confident, and enthusiastic about playing outside.

For parents juggling busy schedules, small, consistent steps can work wonders — outdoor play doesn’t need to be perfect or elaborate! Indeed, outdoor play is one of the simplest and most powerful gifts you can give a child. It supports physical growth, cognitive development, social skills, emotional wellbeing, and a lasting connection with the natural world. By encouraging children to explore, imagine, and move freely outside, parents set the stage for healthy, happy childhoods.

Outdoor Play & More at Little Acorns Nursery

A High-Quality Childcare Service in Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End. Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider of childcare in all categories.At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, we understand the value of outdoor play and ensure children experience it whenever possible. Whether in our outdoor play areas, our garden and its nature zone, in local parks, or in the nearby countryside, children will thrive when given space to move, explore, and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors — under close supervision, of course. Outdoor play is just one part of the comprehensive early years experience that children under five get to benefit from at our high-quality childcare setting. We are graded as a good provider by Ofsted and support free/funded childcare hours for eligible families. Contact us today if you’d like to find out more, enrol your child for a nursery place, or ask any questions — we’re here to help!

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Little Acorns is a wonderful nursery in Padiham that may also be convenient to families living nearby in Burnley, Hapton, Rose Grove, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, or Wood End.

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Leaf Nature Hunt Activity for Kids – with Free Reference Poster
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Leaf Nature Hunt Activity for Kids – with Free Reference Poster

Leaf Nature Hunt Activity for Kids – with Free Reference Poster

Summer and autumn are wonderful times for children to experience nature in its full glory.Summer and autumn are wonderful times for children to experience nature in its full glory. At such times, the natural world is brimming with colourful flora and fauna, and it’s a spectacular feast for their eyes and senses. Outdoors, little ones can learn an enormous amount about the natural world around them, enjoy some fresh air and freedom – under supervision, of course — and reap the many, profound benefits that nature will provide. With this in mind, today’s post focuses on the rich variety of leaves that children can be encouraged to look out for in a leaf nature hunt activity.

Children under five will enjoy the simple activity of discovering leaves of different colours, shapes, and sizes — many are beautiful and incredibly intricate.We’ve generated a free reference poster for the activity, which is available for download today. The poster features 16 leaf varieties that children can look out for as part of their leaf-spotting challenge. Those under five will enjoy the simple activity of discovering leaves of different colours, shapes, and sizes — many are beautiful and intricate if they take the opportunity to take a closer look. Older children can be challenged to take things further by learning how to recognise and name the different types. Our free reference poster will help. Take a look below and download a free leaf reference poster today. And be sure to visit this blog area again soon, as we’ll follow up with some creative leaf art activities in the near future. Happy foraging!

Grab Your Child’s Free Poster!

Click the preview image below to either download or view the leaf reference poster in high resolution. On most devices, a right-click is the correct approach if you’d like to save the poster file. (It’s an Acrobat PDF that’s less than 2MB in size, so it should not take long to download, even on a mobile device). We recommend printing it from the Acrobat file using your highest-quality settings and paper. It will print in high definition up to A3, but children may also find an A4 or A5 leaflet size print-out beneficial during their outdoor leaf hunt. Use the little tick boxes to mark each type of leaf as it’s successfully discovered.

Download your free 'Leaf Nature Hunt' activity poster and reference sheet.

Points for Children to Note

Encourage children to take a deep, close-up look at the leaves. Many are quite beautiful and incredibly intricate up close. For example:

  • Take time to encourage children to take a good look at the beauty and structure of leaves up close.Point out the huge variety of different shapes, sizes, and textures of leaves in the natural world.
  • Draw children’s attention to the stalk (a.k.a. ‘petiole’), central midrib, and veins that support the structure of each leaf.
  • Suggest your child holds the different leaves up to the light, so they can see the fine filigree of miniature channels (called venules) that transport moisture and nutrients to all parts of a leaf.
  • Children can note the different types of seeds that grow with the various leaves. From conkers, acorns, and hazelnuts to winged seeds like those on a sycamore or acer, nature really is miraculous when you think about it.
  • A special mention goes to lime leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, they feature quite beautiful seed clusters that are both functional and highly decorative. See the example on the 3rd row, 2nd from the right, on the reference poster.
  • Oak leaves feature their wonderful acorn sprigs in summer and early autumn. These are also rather gorgeous if you take time to admire them. However, always ensure babies, toddlers, and young children are kept safe from the potential choking hazard represented by the acorns themselves.
  • Ivy leaves look quite unique once their distinctive flower clusters appear. These are much-loved by pollinators and will usually attract a wide variety that includes hoverflies, honeybees, butterflies, and many more.
  • Ivy is also one of only four featured leaves that are evergreen. Others on the poster are holly, laurel, and rhododendron. These are a good opportunity to teach children the difference between evergreen and deciduous, particularly come autumn.

In their own way, many leaves are every bit is stunning as flowers for those who take a moment to examine them closely. Encourage little ones to take the time to ponder the fabulous fine details!

Ash or Elder? Hazel or Lime?

There are a few leaves that may, at first, seem a little tricky to tell apart. Ash leaves, for example, are similar to elder. However, there are significantly more ash leaves on each stem than there are elder leaves. While elder typically has between 5 and 7 ‘compound’ leaves per stem, ash usually has up to 15. Ash leaves also have a subtle sheen, while elder leaves are more matte in comparison.

Another pair that can be easily mistaken for one another are hazel and lime, particularly before the seeds/flowers have appeared. Hazel, however, is very matte in finish, while lime is shinier.

Docs Docs

More Free Stuff!

Today’s leaf reference poster is just one of a series of free activity posters available to children at this website. Why not check out — and download — some of the others for your child today? Others include a Spring Nature Hunt activity poster, an Autumn Nature Hunt poster, a British Land Mammals poster, a Minibeast spotting poster, a Bird-spotting poster, and a Butterfly spotting poster packed with beautiful butterflies. Visit the links and download for free.

More children's activity posters are available free from this website.

Little Acorns: Your Padiham Nursery

A High-Quality Childcare Nursery in Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End. Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider of childcare in all categories.We hope you and your little one(s) enjoy the leaf nature hunt and that the reference poster is useful. We like to encourage families to enjoy the natural world, as we know how hugely beneficial nature is to children. During their time at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, children also get to enjoy nature in the nursery’s garden. It has its own nature zone where little ones can look for flora and fauna and enjoy outdoor play in a safe and secure environment.

Little Acorns Nursery supports free, funded childcare hours for eligible children aged from 9 months to 4 years. The setting is recognised by Ofsted as a good childcare provider. To explore the opportunity of sending your baby, toddler, or preschooler to Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, get in touch today:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

We are a nursery in Padiham (BB12) in Lancashire, providing high-quality weekday childcare to local families in Padiham as well as Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End.

 

Safety Notes

Children, particularly the youngest, should, of course, be accompanied and supervised outdoors by a responsible adult. There are many hazards out there! Adults should therefore be vigilant at all times, do their own risk assessments, and educate children about safety outdoors. A few examples of possible dangers include berries, fungi, nettles, prickly thorns, etc., so teach children not to touch them. Encourage little ones not to collect anything that may be a choking hazard to babies and toddlers (acorns, for example) or that may be poisonous or toxic. Keep children away from physical hazards, including ponds, lakes, steep drops, traffic, roads, strangers, etc. With the right supervision, children will have fun, learn a lot, and stay safe.

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Spring Nature Hunt Activity for Under-5s (with Free Poster!)
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Spring Nature Hunt Activity for Under-5s (with Free Poster!)

Spring Nature Hunt Activity for Under-5s (with Free Poster!)

In the height of spring, sunshine lifts our spirits, spring flowers bloom and birds and pollinators suddenly become more abundant. With so much flora and fauna bursting forth and beauty all around, it’s a wonderful time for children to get outdoors to experience nature first-hand. In today’s activity, they can do all of that through a mid-spring nature hunt. We even supply a free poster for little ones to use as reference during the activity! The fresh air will be good for them, they can burn off some energy as they explore the outdoors, and nature will benefit them in a myriad of ways. They’ll discover more about the natural world, nurture their own well-being through close proximity to nature, and learn about some of the natural delights that come with the season.

Can they spot some daisies? How about some bluebells? What about a squirrel leaping through the trees? Has your little one discovered dandelion ‘clocks’ yet? Those are some of childhood’s joys and are irresistible to children of all ages! Snails are beginning to reappear too, and baby snails are an absolute cuteness overload as they carry their tiny homes on their backs. Apple blossom is simply beautiful, and a sure sign of some delicious apples coming later in the year. All these things and more are part of today’s nature-based activity, with reference images hand-picked to coincide perfectly with mid-spring. Download the free poster today, print it out, and head on out to the Great Outdoors with your little ones. The activity will give them a wonderful introduction to some of nature’s magic this springtime. What’s more, spending time close to nature is good for parents too!

Download the Free Reference Poster

Preview of the Spring Nature Hunt activity poster and reference sheet. Click to download the high resolution version.

Click the poster preview image to view on screen or download in PDF format (whether you left- or right-click will depend on your browser set-up, so try each if unsure). Posters can be printed as large as A3 (great for displaying on your child’s bedroom wall), reduced to A4, or as small as A5 (perfect as a reference sheet to take on the activity). Parents: don’t forget a pencil, pen or crayon so that each item that your child spots can be ticked on the reference sheet — little tick boxes are provided.

Fun Facts for Mid-Spring

Putting together the nature reference poster got us thinking! Here are some fun and interesting facts that were brought to mind:

  • The word dandelion is based on the French for 'teeth of the lion' — perfect for the shape of the leaves.Bluebells also come in pink or white. They’re referred to as pinkbells (also known as pink bluebells and Spanish bluebells) and whitebells (or white bluebells).
  • Have you ever noticed that dandelion leaves are like a row of sharp teeth? In fact, the word dandelion is based on the French for ‘teeth of the lion’ — dents du lion.
  • Dandelion clocks are known as such due to the childhood pastime that so many of us are familiar with. The theory is that children can tell you the time by the number of puffs it takes to blow all the seeds off into the air. It is, of course, only occasionally accurate!
  • Frogspawn is a wonderful way to teach children how some creatures evolve from eggs, through infancy, into adulthood. With frogspawn, they start off as tiny, transparent eggs, then grow a tail that enables them to swim. Later come arms and legs, then they lose their tail and mature into tiny infant frogs. It’s incredibly educational and engaging for children to witness.
  • Nectar baskets are the little yellow leg pouches that some bees have to collect nectar for transporting to the hive.Does your child know about bee nectar baskets? Those are the little yellow leg pouches that can be seen on some bumblebees’ and honeybees’ legs. They are where the bees collect and store their nectar ready to transport back to the hive.
  • Teach your child about the importance of pollinators, which include bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Without them, flowers would not be fertilised i.e. pollinated. And without pollination, we’d have no fruit, vegetables, seeds, cereals, legumes and nuts to eat. So, we owe all those cute pollinators enormous thanks!
  • An earlier version of our spring reference poster included snowdrops, daffodils, and crocuses. However, by mid-spring, they’re disappearing rapidly because their blooms peaked in very early spring. Meanwhile, bluebells are at their peak by mid-spring (right now at the time of writing), so go in search of them quickly if you don’t want to miss this year’s beautiful crop! If you can find a blanket of flowering bluebells in a wood, take note not only of the visual beauty but also of their gentle scent on the breeze.

The Benefits of Nature

Nature is incredibly good for children and adults alike.We’ve said before — and we’ll keep on saying — nature is incredibly good for children and adults alike. But what are some of the benefits, and why is nature so important to children? Well, we wrote an article about it and you can read our top 20 reasons why nature benefits children here. To give you an idea, it’s educational, stimulates creativity, is good for both mind and body, promotes deeper thinking, and is a feast for the developing senses. It also encourages empathy, teaches little ones about the circle of life, improves concentration in the classroom, and even helps children improve academic grades. These are just the tip of the iceberg, however, so click the bold link to learn much more about why spending time in and around nature is so beneficial to children.

We hope that children (and parents) have great fun with this seasonal nature-based activity. Feel free to share a link to the post with friends and spread the word about the free poster!

Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, Lancashire

We offer a first-class weekday childcare service in Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Little Acorns is a wonderful nursery and preschool in Padiham, Lancashire. Here, children aged up to five get the very best start in life and an early years education that’s tailored to them. It’s all about bringing out the very best in every child at Little Acorns. Our fabulous team of early years practitioners will look after them every day in a wonderful home-from-home environment. We’ll ensure they feel loved and valued and are given every opportunity to absolutely shine, so they’re ‘school ready’ by the time they leave us to start school. We also support free childcare places through the many different government-funded childcare schemes available to eligible families. Get in touch today to learn more, apply for a place, or ask questions. We can’t wait to meet you and your child!

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Located in Padiham, the nursery will also suit families living in nearby towns and villages like Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

Safety notice: Supervise children at all times and encourage them to look but not touch when scouting outdoors for the signs of spring. There are many dangers out there including insects that sting, plants that are poisonous, fungi that are toxic — and even snails can pose potential dangers (lungworm).

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British Land Mammals – Free Poster for Children
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British Land Mammals – Free Poster for Children

British Land Mammals – Free Poster for Children

Last month, we published 20 Benefits of Nature to Children, which explained the profoundly positive impact that nature has on children. Indeed, it can transform their lives cognitively, emotionally, spiritually, creatively, and even academically. With that in mind, we continue our series of free nature-based posters that children and families can download and print out. Today’s poster is all about British* Land Mammals. Children can display it in their rooms or print it out as a reference sheet to use when out in nature. How many of the mammals can your child name — or spot over the coming months?

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

The free poster features high-resolution reference images of 20 land mammals that can be spotted in Britain, including anything from badgers to weasels. There are several types of deer, plus mice, foxes, hares, hedgehogs, rabbits, squirrels and more for children to name and try to spot when out and about. Some, like red squirrels, for example, are less commonly seen than others — but that’s all part of this challenge! Here’s a preview:

Preview of the free poster featuring 20 land mammals that can be spotted in Britain. Click to download.

Click the poster image or this link to first download the poster in Acrobat PDF format, then either view it on a screen or print it out using your printer’s best printing settings and paper for best results.

Other Free Nature-Based Posters Available for Kids

The British Land Mammals poster is part of a growing set of nature-based posters that children and families can freely download and collect from this nursery website. They are attractive and educational — and little ones generally love animals. Other wildlife posters in the same series include minibeasts, birds, and butterflies, plus an autumn nature hunt poster that’s along similar lines.

“Because little nature lovers grow into big nature lovers.” – Unknown

More Reasons to Get Children Interested in Nature

As well as the benefits of nature already mentioned, getting children interested in the Great Outdoors will also benefit their fitness, knowledge, empathy, and awareness of ecological matters. Learning that we need to nurture nature and look after the future of the planet are all things that can come from an interest in nature in childhood. So, downloading today’s poster may well become a step along the path to a healthier lifestyle and greener choices for a child. As the saying goes, “from little seeds grow mighty trees” and that’s a perfect metaphor to illustrate where the simple act of printing out nature-based posters could lead for any child.

“Children are born with a sense of wonder and an affinity for nature. Properly cultivated, these values can mature into ecological literacy, and eventually into sustainable patterns of living.” – Zenobia Barlow

Nature Around Little Acorns Nursery & Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Children and families from Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham are lucky to be surrounded by parks, hills, waterways and Lancashire countryside. Here, a rich variety of wildlife may be seen, including perhaps some of the mammals featured today. Patience, perseverance, self-control, active listening, and a degree of quietness will be needed if some of the more shy creatures are to be spotted. Those are all good skills for children to practise, though.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder … he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachel Carson

At our Padiham nursery, we also ensure that children get to spend time in our lovely garden and its wild zone. These are regularly adapted to complement specific learning topics being covered in the nursery’s curriculum, as well as to suit children’s individual nature-based interests.

If you are considering sending your baby or child under five to our excellent childcare nursery and preschool, please select an option below:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

It may help to know that our nursery/preschool is also close to families in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

  • * For the purpose of this poster, British refers to those mammals that can be seen and found in Britain. While not all of those featured were originally indigenous to the British Isles, they’re here now and are therefore an integral part of today’s Britain.
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20 Benefits of Nature to Children - Including Under-5s
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20 Benefits of Nature to Children

20 Benefits of Nature to Children - Including Under-5s

Nature is incredibly beneficial to children.One of the many reasons we love nature and nature-based children’s activities here at Little Acorns Nursery is that nature is incredibly beneficial to children. What’s more, the benefits start right from their earliest years and are profoundly powerful to little ones. There have been many studies about this over the years and they all seem to conclude that nature is incredibly good for us all, especially so during the early years. Today’s post looks at 20 of the key benefits that spending time in and around nature holds for children and, with Spring now upon us, it’s the perfect time to begin getting little ones outside more, weather permitting.

1. Nature Stimulates Imaginations & Creativity

The natural world is an amazing and multi-faceted place, brim-full of wonder and fascinating flora, fauna, landscapes and terrains. As such, it’s a place where children will naturally play, build, create, invent and imagine. Young imaginations can simply explode with creative ideas; such is the range of possibilities that are available to children who spend time out in nature.

2. Nature is Good for the Body

Spending time in nature will help children hone fine and gross motor skills, and improve coordination, balance, and fitness.Spending time in and around nature means children are more likely to be active, for example, walking, running, skipping, climbing, playing, making, or simply building a den. Such activities will not only help them hone fine and gross motor skills, but will also improve coordination, balance, and fitness. Those skills will help them day-to-day while expending energy in this way will help them maintain a healthy weight and body-mass index.

3. Nature is Good for the Mind & Spirit

When the world is getting on top of you, time spent in or around nature is sure to be a great antidote, even for children. Spending time in nature is known to reduce stress, relieve depression, lower anxiety levels and naturally give people, including children, a greater feeling of well-being.

4. Nature Gives Children Freedom

Nature gives children a huge sense of freedom.One of the more obvious benefits of nature is that it gives children a huge sense of freedom that they might not otherwise experience. Being in The Great Outdoors allows children, under appropriate supervision, to run, explore, and play in ways that are far more free than in any other situation. This will also give them a huge sense of natural joy.

5. Nature Facilitates Discovery

Time spent close to nature aids natural discovery too and that’s never more important than in children’s formative years. Out in the natural world, there are a myriad of amazing things to discover, whether they’re flowers, trees, blossoms, insects, minibeasts, animals, birds, or seasons. Even rocks can be fascinating! Discovering new things first-hand is a perfect way for children to learn more about the natural world around them — and their place within it.

6. Nature Promotes Profound Thinking

All this discovery and freedom will spark natural questions in the minds of children. What does this do?” … “Why does it look and behave like it does?” … “How did it get here?” Indeed, “How did I get here?”. Nature encourages children to think about the world in new, profound ways. Such questions are a healthy part of every childhood; they help children learn, and may even lead to careers in such things as science, medicine, or research.

7. Nature is a Feast for the Senses

Through the senses, children will learn more about the world and generate millions of new connections in their developing brains.The stimulation of the senses is never more important than during children’s early years and spending time in nature is the perfect vehicle through which to do so. With so many colours, sounds, smells, textures and even (under adult supervision) tastes available in the natural world, it is indeed a feast for children’s senses. Through the senses, children will learn more about the world and generate millions of new connections in their developing brains. It’s almost magical!

8. Nature Fosters a Sense of Responsibility

When a child is tasked with feeding animals or tending to growing seeds and plants, they will naturally gain a sense of responsibility. After all, feeding and watering flora and fauna is literally a matter of life and death when you think about it. So, allowing children to become more responsible and to look after someone or something else is one of life’s most valuable and important lessons.

9. Nature Promotes Empathy

Nature can also promote feelings of empathy in children. That’s another key trait for children to nurture, and nature will help them achieve it. Whether they’re looking after a plant, feeding a bird or animal, or simply observing them, such activities will help many to put themselves in another living thing’s shoes. Fostering greater empathy is a great skill to develop and will stand children in good stead into adulthood.

10. Nature Fosters Environmental Consciousness

Being around nature can help children lean towards environmental issues, learn about the problems, and become part of the solution.Being around nature regularly can also help children lean naturally towards environmental issues, learn about the problems and become part of the solution. An appreciation of nature is indeed the first step towards becoming environmentally conscious and proactive. That’s a great thing for the planet, particularly as today’s children will become tomorrow’s custodians of the Earth.

11. Nature Gives a Sense of Perspective

Nature is also a great leveller. When issues are troubling children at home or day-to-day, spending a little time in nature, surrounded by beautiful trees, flowers, wildlife and landscapes, will help to put things into perspective. Sometimes seeing the bigger picture can help children see the little things for what they really are. That’s a healthy thing too.

12. Nature Helps Children Academically

Studies over recent decades have shown that, if children spend time in and around nature, they perform better academically. Findings include improved reading, writing, mathematics and even better test results.

13. Nature Improves Concentration in the Classroom

Part of the above may be to do with improved concentration following time spent in and around nature. For example, children coming in from a break in the park or the setting’s garden are shown to have greater focus, i.e. improved concentration once they return. It’s almost as if nature recharged them! Even a simple view of nature from the classroom window has been shown to help children’s performance in the classroom — which is incredible when you think about it.

14. Nature Supports the EYFS Goals

A key part of the education of children under five is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This is an important framework that prescribes the format, content and approach that will benefit children significantly during their early years learning and development. A set of EYFS ‘goals’ is part of that and spending time around nature helps children achieve many of those goals, particularly with respect to understanding the world, physical development, communication and language, and personal, social and emotional development. We’ll follow up with more information about the EYFS in a separate guide in due course.

15. Time Spent in Nature Improves Sleep Quality

Studies also show that spending time out in nature helps children to sleep more deeply. Sleep, particularly deep sleep, is immensely good for children and adults alike, so that’s hugely important and will help young minds and bodies to recharge and refresh.

16. Nature Promotes a Healthier Lifestyle

Spending all this time outdoors, and it being so interesting and a lot of fun, means it’s more likely that children will have an interest in nature and outdoor life when they’re older. That’s healthy for them in all the ways described in this article, and can therefore only enrich their lives and encourage healthier lifestyles into adulthood.

17. Nature Enhances Social Skills

Spending time in nature can boost confidence, language, communication and social skills.Children generally team up with friends when they’re playing and exploring outdoors. Spending time playing together in natural environments fosters many different kinds of interaction. This can boost confidence, language, communication and social skills. Stronger bonds and a deeper understanding of peers are likely to form from this.

18. Nature Helps Children Build Additional Skills

Playing, learning, creating and discovering with friends in natural environments will present both opportunities and challenges. These are great for the development of skills like teamwork, cooperation, leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, the assessment of risk and more. Such skills will be useful throughout children’s lives.

19. Time Spent in Nature Opens Up Possibilities

When children spend time around nature, all kinds of possibilities open up to them. These include the chance for discovery, learning, adventure, invention, hobbies and even careers that are in some way linked to or influenced by childhood exposure to nature. Conservationists, zookeepers, wildlife photographers, travel writers, explorers and even some TV presenters ended up doing their jobs because they connected to nature from an early age.

20. Spending Time Around Nature is Great Fun!

We should not forget one hugely important aspect of nature — spending time around it in childhood is huge fun! The natural world opens up endless opportunities, adventures, new places, discoveries and new ways for children to be entertained. It’s no wonder that children love being outdoors so much — the joy is clear to see on their faces whenever they spend time in The Great Outdoors.

With all that in mind, the overall message is to give children safe access to nature as often as possible — it’s incredibly good for them and nature teaches them so much.

Nature at Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, we know just how important nature is to children. That’s why the nursery has its beautiful garden, a wild zone, a mud kitchen and a planting area where children can get hands-on with nature. We often adapt such areas to suit particular learning activities that children are focusing on at specific times of the year.

To enquire about a place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery, please get in touch using one of the following options:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Our high-quality nursery/preschool in Padiham is also conveniently located for those nearby who require a childcare nursery near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

 

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Let’s Go on An Autumn Nature Hunt!

Let's Go on an Autumn Nature Hunt – a Fun Outdoor Activity for Children!

Our autumn nature hunt is a fun, educational activity for children that also comes with a free reference sheet.As leaves start to blanket the ground and the earthy scents of autumn begin to infuse the air, it’s the perfect time to engage children in a captivating adventure that celebrates the season. In today’s post, we’ll introduce you to an Autumn Nature Hunt, an exciting outdoor activity for children that’s not only entertaining but also educational.

Explore the Beauty of Autumn with a Nature Scavenger Hunt

The autumn season offers a unique opportunity to immerse children in the wonders of nature. The changing colours of leaves, the falling acorns, and the crisp air make it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. This nature-based treasure hunt is designed to get children of all ages outdoors, closer to nature, where they can enjoy the many benefits that outdoor play and exposure to the natural world provide.

Download Your Free Reference Sheet

To make this autumn-themed nature hunt even more enjoyable, we’ve created a reference sheet that children can use to check off the items they find. This sheet should keep them engaged and help them learn about the beauty of the season. N.B. supervising adults will need to decide whether children should simply spot the items or collect them. Factors including hygiene, safety considerations and the child’s age and abilities should inform their decision.

Download this free reference sheet for the autumn-themed nature hunt. (Click to save/download).

What You’ll Need

Before the commencement of this adventure, ensure your child has the following:

  1. Our free reference sheet. We’ve prepared a free reference sheet that features images of various natural items children can look for during their outdoor excursion. The A4 sheet includes leaves of specific colours, catkins, wild hazelnuts, pine cones, acorns, oak leaves, pine needles, ‘winged’ seeds, horse chestnuts, sweet chestnuts, pumpkins, cereal crops, sunflowers that are now turning to seed, and even some fruit that may be found at this time of year. It’s available below, for free, in Acrobat PDF format and you can download and print it for your convenience.
  2. Adult supervision in place. Ensure that adult supervision is available, especially for the youngest children. Safety is a priority, so be certain to keep the kids out of harm’s way while they explore.
  3. Safety precautions. Teach the children about safety precautions. For example, emphasise the importance of not running off out of sight, avoiding poisonous items like fungi, not touching berries, keeping all items away from mouths, and being cautious around things like chestnut cases, which have sharp points.
  4. Good hygiene. Encourage the little explorers to exercise good hygiene practices and wash their hands thoroughly after the adventure.

The Autumn Nature Hunt is a fantastic way to connect children with the wonders of nature, encourage outdoor play, and create lasting memories. So, download the reference sheet, gather your young explorers, and set out on a journey through the enchanting autumn landscape. Remember to emphasise safety, ensure adult supervision, and cherish the opportunity to immerse your kids in the beauty of the season. Enjoy your autumn adventure!

Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

We understand the incredible importance of nature and outdoor play to children; they bring enormous benefits to children of all ages. So many, in fact, that we’ll publish separate guides on those benefits in the near future. So, watch this space.

Little Acorns is a high-quality childcare nursery in Padiham, Lancashire, offering the very best childcare and early education to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. As well as giving little ones the very best start in life and ensuring they are as ‘school-ready’ as possible by the time they leave us, we help them to become the very best version of themselves. Part of this is achieved through a learning and development programme that’s tailored to them as individuals. In this way, they achieve personal bests across all areas of their development.

If you would like to explore the possibility of sending your baby, toddler or preschooler to Little Acorns Nursery, please get in touch using one of the following options:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Little Acorns is a nursery and preschool located in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), also convenient for families seeking high-quality childcare near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham or Wood End.

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Minibeast Spotting for Kids (with Free Poster!)

Minibeast Spotting Activity for Kids (with Free Poster!)

Today’s Minibeast Spotting activity completes a trio of nature-based posts that each include a free poster. Featuring 30 different minibeasts for children to find and identify, it’s designed to encourage children to get outdoors, learn about the different creatures nearby, explore, and benefit from everything that nature has to offer. With previous free posters covering bird spotting and butterfly spotting activities, these nature-themed activities will give children a really good insight into some of the interesting and exciting creatures they can see in their gardens and neighbourhoods if they simply take some time to look.

Children Love Minibeasts!

Children will love spotting minibeasts, discovering different creatures and learning to name each of them. They will soon learn that creatures like ladybirds, hoverflies, caterpillars, butterflies and bees are simply adorable. Children are also likely to be fascinated by creatures like ants, which are incredibly clever and well-organised, and minibeasts like beetles, millipedes and worms. Such creatures are so different to humans and gently observing them can bring real insights to children about our natural world from the viewpoint of different creatures. Indeed, nature is a huge educator and holds immense benefits to children. We’ll write a separate, more detailed, post about those benefits in the future. Suffice it to say, though, that nature-based activities will help children emotionally, spiritually and physically as well as help them learn new facts, information and skills. Without further delay, let’s now take a look at the free poster preview below and learn how to download it for your child.

Minibeast Spotting Poster (Preview):

Preview showing the free minibeasts poster (click to download the high resolution version in Acrobat PDF format)

How to Download the Free Minibeasts Poster

The poster is supplied as a 3MB downloadable file, in PDF format. That means you’ll need Acrobat Reader on your device to view and open it. Most devices will already have that installed but, if not, don’t worry — Acrobat Reader is also available for free, here. To download the poster itself, simply click the preview image above, or download the free poster via this link. Whether left-clicking or right-clicking is best will depend upon your device’s settings so, if in doubt, try either to see which one prompts you to save the file. Once saved, it can be opened, viewed, and printed out from Acrobat Reader. Print at A3 in high quality on your best printer paper for best results, or ‘scale to fit’ to fit your paper if it’s A4. You/your child can also view the poster on screen, for example on a tablet, smartphone or desktop screen, and zoom in for all the lovely detail.

The UK is home to approximately 25,000 different kinds of minibeast! Many are sadly in steep decline1, so it’s important to raise awareness and encourage interest, including in the very young.

1. According to the State of Nature report for 2023, “Invertebrates such as insects, spiders and millipedes have been found, on average, in 13% fewer places now than in 1970.”

Tips for Spotting Minibeasts

Minibeasts can be lurking almost anywhere outdoors, so children can search and find them virtually wherever they live. Below are a few of the most popular places minibeasts are likely to be found:

  • On and around the leaves of plants (after all, those are home to many critters);
  • On and in flowers, because they’re attracted to the nectar, which is a food source for many;
  • Under rocks, stones, flower pots and suchlike, which may be their home (N.B. be gentle when lifting and replacing such things, so the creatures are not hurt);
  • On and in growing fruit and vegetables, which may be a food source for them;
  • Around the base of plants, grass and lawns, where they may be sheltering from predators;
  • On or under soil, which may be their home;
  • On and in rotting logs and fallen branches;
  • And finally — the best place of all for some minibeasts — in compost heaps! They love the rotting organic matter but, again, take care not to hurt them by being gentle and disturbing their habitat as little as possible.

Enjoy, Be Safe & Be Gentle!

Spending time out in nature and searching for its creatures is great fun, but great care needs to be taken:

  • For the sake of child safety and well-being, children should always be accompanied by a supervising adult — particularly for the very young.
  • Adults should also teach children how to be vigilant about the potential dangers and hazards associated with the outdoors.
  • Adults should teach children about gentleness and empathy around other creatures, however small. Minibeasts are fragile and powerless against the comparative might of humans, but each is an individual in their own right. It’s therefore kind to teach children about compassion for other beings and the need to treat them with huge care and empathy.

Why This Activity is More Important Than You Might Think

Lastly, though, have fun and take time to ensure children learn about nature and all its flora and fauna. Nature teaches children so much about the world and indeed, spending time in the natural world also teaches children about themselves and their place in the world. It may even lead to a lifelong passion for nature and an interest in issues like ecology, global warming, restoring habitat loss and protecting creatures in danger of extinction. Don’t forget that our children will one day become the new stewards of our planet. And, when you bear in mind how important pollinators are for food production and how many of them are in steep decline, a deep interest in the natural world has never been more important.

“When the first #StateofNature report was released in 2013, 1 in 10 of our species were threatened with extinction. Today, it is 1 in 6 species. Rapid nature loss is happening NOW, all around us.” (Wildlife Trust)

Children Love Nature at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham!

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

Our childcare professionals know just how important nature and outdoor play is to children, so we ensure they have plenty of opportunities to experience both at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham. It’s also why we will ensure we publish articles and guides relating to outdoor play and nature here on the Little Acorns blog. Indeed, it’s a treasure trove of useful information, on a wide variety of topics, for parents of babies, toddlers and under-fives!

If you require the highest quality weekday childcare and an outstanding early years education for your little one, why not consider Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, Lancashire? The setting offers a warm, inviting and nurturing home-from-home for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and really brings out the best in every child. What’s more, we support all the Government’s childcare funding schemes for eligible families. These include, for example, free childcare hours for 2-year-olds and up to 30 free hours per week for 3 and 4-year-olds.

To register your child for a nursery/preschool place, book a guided tour, or find out more, please get in touch using one of the following options:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

As well as being located in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), Little Acorns Nursery may also suit those living or working nearby in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

 

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Bird Spotting Activity for Kids (with Free Poster!)
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Bird Spotting for Kids (with Free Poster!)

Bird Spotting Activity for Kids (with Free Poster!)

This nature-based bird spotting activity for kids comes with a free reference poster for families to download.Today’s bird spotting activity for kids continues our series of nature-themed posts that each come with a free reference poster for families to download. Featuring 40 British birds, the activity and the poster represent a great opportunity to get children of all ages outdoors, closer to nature. As many of us know, nature is hugely beneficial to the health and well-being of little ones as well as fostering a greater respect and understanding of the natural world around us. Such an appreciation is also likely to encourage children to do their bit to help protect the environment as they grow older. Nature-based activities are therefore a win-win for children and the environment.

Did you know? UK bird populations have declined by a staggering 38 million birds during the last 5 decades. Even some of our once-common birds are in steep decline.

Children will naturally be fascinated by our feathered friends. When encouraged, even infants and toddlers will soon start to recognise and be able to name the different varieties of wild birds that they see. Robins, blackbirds, blue tits and wrens are always likely to be firm favourites and, with the help of the reference poster, children may soon also be able to identify additional species. We suggest printing the poster out at full size (A3), if possible, using high-quality settings and paper. Reducing to A4 is also possible on desktop printers that only print to that size. Either way, the posters can be displayed permanently on nursery or bedroom walls, or used as handheld reference when children are out and about. Tick boxes have been included alongside each bird, to allow children to mark which birds they have seen. The posters can also, of course, be viewed in glorious high resolution and fine detail on screen, for example on handheld tablets.

The poster is free and no sign-up of any kind is required. Here’s how it looks:

Bird Poster Preview

Preview of the A3 British Birds poster for families to download and print out (click to download or see instructions below).

Download Instructions

Click the preview image, or this link, to download or view the poster, which is in PDF format (grab Acrobat Reader free here if you don’t already have it on your device). Please note that your individual browser settings will govern whether a left-click or a right-click either opens or saves the file. Try either to see which best suits your particular set-up.

Bird-Spotting Recommendations

Once children have their print-outs at the ready and are primed to go bird spotting*, there are a number of things that can help with their success:

  • Birds will naturally gravitate towards sources of food. So, think about where they might find seeds and insects. For example, try looking around flower meadows, woodlands, lush hedgerows and parks or countryside featuring a variety of different natural environments.
  • Failing that, put out some food for them — this is possible even if you don’t have a garden, as bird feeders can be attached to windows or suspended from walls and eaves. Many birds will like commercially available bird seed. Our best successes have been with ‘sunflower hearts’ and ‘peanut cake.’ Seed balls are also popular. Supermarkets, garden outlets and online stores usually sell such things fairly inexpensively. Side note: grated Cheddar cheese is also very popular. However, don’t feed birds too much of that and ensure never to give birds cheese that has mould, as it will be harmful to them.
  • Timing is important too, because different birds are around at different times of the year. So, undertaking the activity periodically throughout the year may help to tick off some of those boxes on your poster!
  • Teach children to be patient, observant and logical. Patience, perseverance, and critical thinking are all important skills for children to master, and this type of activity can help them to improve such skills.
  • Teach children to keep noise levels very low. For thousands of years, humans have been seen by most wild animals as predators, so children need to learn to stay quiet and even tread quietly through woods etc. when on the lookout for any kind of wildlife. This can, however, make the activity even more exciting!
  • Teach children stealth and the use of observation and auditory skills. Doing so will not only help them to see/hear more birds, but will also encourage them to hone motor, balance, coordination and sensory skills.
  • Binoculars and monoculars may be useful tools for children to use to see birds further away or in close-up view. However, ensure they understand that they must never point them in the direction of the sun or towards other bright objects. Hence, we suggest they are only used by children under close supervision.

Have Fun Bird Spotting!

We hope you and your little one(s) have fun with this activity and find the free poster useful. We’ll gradually publish more nature-themed posters as time goes by, so watch this space for more free stuff! Nature-based and outdoor activities are great for children, teaching them so much about the world around them and their place within it. Such activities will help them develop new skills and gain new knowledge, all pretty much free of charge too! This type of activity may also instil in them a love of the outdoors, exploration and the natural world along with the flora and fauna in it. What’s more, children who spend significant time around nature often grow up to have a lifelong love of the Great Outdoors, a greater empathy towards other creatures and high levels of environmental consciousness. With all the problems the human race has made for the planet, that can only be a good thing.

Your High-Quality Nursery & Preschool in Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

Children love our nature-based activities at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham too, as we know how beneficial nature and outdoor play is to little ones. It’s one of the reasons we’ll be publishing more nature activity ideas for children to take part in over the coming months. So, watch this space and come back to visit our blog area regularly to get more ideas for kids’ activities along with lots of useful facts, information and news relating to early years education, learning, development and childcare.

Do you need a high-quality weekday childcare service for your baby, toddler or preschooler in the Padiham/Lancashire area? If so, do consider Little Acorns in Padiham as we’re simply one of the best nurseries and preschools around and give children a wonderful start in life. We also support Government schemes like free childcare hours for 2-year-olds and up to 30 free hours per week for 3 and 4-year-olds — plus many more.

Get in touch to register your child for a nursery or preschool place, request a tour of the setting with your child, or simply ask any questions. We’re here to help! Please choose an option below:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Little Acorns Nursery is located in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12) but is also close to Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. So, we may suit families who require high-quality weekday childcare in any of those towns and villages.

* It goes without saying that children, particularly the very young, should always be supervised appropriately by a responsible adult.

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