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 wildlife. Bird chirping and insects...

The sun is shining (on-and-off!) and school's out for summer, so the timing couldn’t be better for Love Parks Week 2011. From July 23–31 everyone can enjoy the best their local park has to offer with a whole host of outdoor activities up and down

Hazelborough Wood, Northamptonshire These are tranquil ancient woodlands where deer and even badgers live. So roll out your blanket and enjoy a picnic while you watch and wait. Thetford Forest, Norfolk This tall pine forest is home to a wide variety of birds including red crossbi...

Being BADEvery Friday, Saturday and Monday in SeptemberLearn how to draw dinosaurs, warriors, real archaeological objects and plot a dig at Banchory Museum as part of the Big Archaeology Draw series.Dirt At The Science CentreSeptember 23–26Join in a gloriously grimy programme of ...

Gift And Craft FairSeptember 10–11, 24–25Head to Llandudno Town Hall for this seasonal craft and gift fair and trawl the stalls for a variety of local goodies. The wares on offer will include homemade jewellery, aromatherapy oils, leather goods and handcrafted greetings cards.Jam...

1. Selecting seedsDespite the best efforts of Popeye most young children still seem to have an innate aversion to bitter leafy vegetables such as spinach, and probably won’t be particularly enthused about the idea of growing them. Focus instead on sweet fruit and vegetables more ...

The Battle Of HastingsSeptember 15–16Soak up the atmosphere of a medieval battlefield as the infamous Battle Of Hastings is re-enacted before your very eyes at Hasting Abbey. This afternoon of historical hi-jinx will also include a Norman cavalry display, ancient weaponry, falcon...

Apple WeekendSeptember 24–25Celebrate the new season’s crop within the historic orchard at Fenton House with a whole weekend dedicated to that most quintessentially English of fruits, the apple. Watch bee-keeping and cookery demonstrations, taste the new harvest and fill your bas...

Seasonal I-SpySeptember 15–28Pick up a trail sheet from the garden room at Belton House in Lincolnshire and set off on a nature detective hunt around the gardens of this country house estate. After discovering the autumnal delights of the garden, children can monkey around in Lin...

Nature Adventures by Mick Manning and Brita Granström (£7.99, Frances Lincoln)A finely detailed guide to the natural life that can be found in various habitats from town to country. The evocative illustrations and comprehensive listings of various flora and fauna make this an abs...