Normally at this time of year we would be running all sorts of festive activities across our parks and green spaces. This, of course, won’t be possible this year due to Covid-19. However, we don’t want that to stop you from getting outside and enjoying the physical and mental health benefits that spending time in the great outdoors can bring.
Over the next three weeks we will be suggesting a range of activities for you to do on your own or with your family, so make sure you get stuck in, enjoy some time in the fresh air and have some fun along the way.
Christmas Colouring Sheets
If you have kids who are into art then we have just the activity for them to do at home as the dark nights draw in and the weather turns colder.
Throughout the first period of lockdown it was great to see so many rainbows adorning people’s windows as we tried to keep our spirits up and pay tribute to the amazing key workers who did so much to help us all through the Covid-19 pandemic.
With this in mind we have had five Christmas colouring sheets designed which can be done by members of the family of all ages.
Once you’ve completed the sheets we would love it if you send us a photo of your kids holding up their handiwork or on the window of your house.
Please send them to christmas@thelandtrust.org.uk and with your permission your photo will be collated into the Land Trust’s Christmas video which will be released on our social media channels on Christmas Eve.
Week 1 Activities
Activity 1:
Get out for a walk
It’s no surprise given the colder weather and darker nights that generally people get outdoors much less during the winter. When you’re all cosy at home the last thing many of us want to do is leave the warmth of our living room and brace the wintery conditions.
However by not getting outside in the fresh air we’re missing out on a range of physical and mental health benefits which are so important, particularly at the moment.
So wrap up warm, take some snacks with you, get outside and enjoy a crisp, refreshing winter walk.
Activity 2:
Create a natural festive wreath
Is there anything that signals Christmas more than a wreath on the front door?
This year, instead of buying one, why not create one yourself using completely natural materials?
This year, instead of buying one, why not create one yourself using completely natural materials?
Not sure how to do it? We’ve put together a couple of helpful videos to give you some pointers along the way.
Activity 3:
Scavenger hunt
If you’re looking for ways to make a walk a bit more interesting why not do a winter scavenger hunt? There are so many interesting things to see when you’re out and about.
There are some great resources online but to give a head start we’ve listed a few ideas below. Why not see how many you can find:
Activity 4:
Hedgehog house
Sadly the number of hedgehogs in the UK has plummeted over recent years. Hedgehogs need homes just like humans so making one for them is a great way to encourage them into your garden.
Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly reliant on urban and suburban gardens. So, whether you live in town or country, you can help to look after garden wildlife like hedgehogs by providing food, water and shelter.
Sound like fun? Then check out this great guide from our friends at the Wildlife trust or you can make a much simpler home using just a plastic container.
Activity 5:
Collect pine cones
You may have noticed in the scavenger hunt that one of the items we have asked you to find is a pine cone.
If you do happen to come across some collect as many as you can as you’ll need some for one of the activities we have planned for next week.
Week 2 Activities
Activity 1
Go somewhere for a winter walk
Last week we encouraged you to get outside for a walk and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that spending time outdoors can bring. However it’s easy to just do the same old walks and this can sometimes be boring. So why not take time to discover a new trail or place to visit and enjoy exploring a different green space.
Activity 2:
Get creative with pinecones
One of the activities last week was to go on the hunt for pinecones. If you did manage to find some we’ve included some festive activities that you can do with them in the links below:
Activity 3:
Sing Christmas carols outside!
We are all facing a very different Christmas to usual and things like carol services won’t be running in the same way. However lots of people all over the country are encouraging people to go out on their doorsteps on certain evenings and sing carols with their neighbours. So why not have a look online and see if your local community has anything planned?
Activity 4:
DIY Christmas cards
Buying and sending Christmas cards for all your friends and family can be an expensive task so why not make your own this year?
There are loads of good resources online for inspiration but we’ve put a good one in the link below to get you started:
Christmas Storytelling!
The festive season is a great time for getting together and telling stories with some fantastic Christmas tales to choose from. With this in mind we’ll be hosting an online session with some very talented storytellers.
This will take place on Sunday 20 December.
There will be two sessions, the first at 11am and the second at 2pm and these will be hosted on Zoom. You will be able to join the sessions using the information below:
11am
2pm
If you have any questions or queries about what we do or how to go about working with us we'd love to hear from.
Contact usWe are always on the look out for enthusiastic, committed people who want to make a real and lasting difference in their local community.
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