– for example, if you have berries growing in hedgerows along a busy road. Without sounding too scoutish, the key is to be prepared:Be clear about what you are picking and tell your child not to put anything in her mouth unless you say so. Although foraging

of the Pick Your Own Farm Of The Year 2009, there are lots of different berries, plums and a good selection of veg here; there’s also a picnic spot. Tel: 020 8367 2035 or visit www.parksidefarmpyo.co.ukGarsons, Surrey With over 100 acres of fruit, vegetables

1. Collect nuts, berries and pinecones to look for signs of feeding. Follow any trails of food and try to identify which animals have been nibbling on them.2. Find a quiet spot in your local woodland to sit and listen to the sounds of the local

Makes 12 portionsObviously, this is not recommended for those with a nut allergy and, for your children, be careful to pick out the whole nuts as they are a choking hazard.Ingredients400g (14oz) jumbo oats3 tbsp olive oil200ml (7fl oz) apple juice

for the tinkling laughter of the pixies but watch out for the mischievous goblins who may shower you with berries or twigs!Squirrels and Hazelnuts Of HazelwoodNovember 5Wrap up warm and head to Hazelwood Nature Reserve in Belfast to explore the natural flora

Freshly picked peas at the peak of ripeness are so tender and sweet they barely need cooking, and children should enjoy helping to shell them. Tossing the blanched peas with nutty browned butter, chive flowers and pasta makes a simple, tasty dish

(large) egg20g strong white pastry flour40g homemade breadcrumbsTo serve10 g unsalted butter100 g water1 pinch of salt50g salad roquette80g spinach, picked and washed80g salad baby gem120g frozen peas (Birds Eye)MethodSkin the haddock and cut out

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and into the woods, which are full of activities and adventures. 1. Find your own foodAutumn is a great time for taking the kids out foraging – and there’s nothing better than eating fruits and berries

carrots for bunnies.Annabel Lewis, founder VV RouleauxGo for a bracing walk in the woods, setting the children the task of picking up fir branches, cones and berries. On your return home, spray your findings with gold and silver and make into wreaths

Fed up with getting back a still-full lunchbox? The sandwiches you made with so much love and care at some ungodly hour in the morning left untouched? The only thing missing, the “treat” chocolate bar? Then try our pick of the best books of lunch