Being outdoors and getting closer to nature is beneficial to our wellbeing. During Childrens Mental Health Week, Kent Wildlife Trust are highlighting some activities that families can enjoy together.
As half-term approaches, families are being invited to get closer to nature at a reserve or take part in fun activities on offer at the visitor centres that will inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime. The visitor centres will be open all week and provide a great base to explore the nature reserves, with the added bonus of the onsite cafes offering a raft of tasty treats and frothy coffees.
At the Sevenoaks Visitor Centre, learn what birds to look out for this winter on a winter bird guided walk. By touring the reserve, families will get the lowdown on the local wildlife that call the special site home.
Both Sevenoaks and Romney Marsh Visitor Centres will be promoting the heart trail for those youngsters that need some incentive to explore. It involves hunting for clues to solve a puzzle to win a wildlife themed prize.
If you want to encourage more birds to your garden, why not join the garden bird workshop where you will not only learn about which foods will attract which birds but also make bird feeders from recycled materials and a bird food cake to take home for the feathered friends in your garden.
A craft workshop will also be available at Romney Marsh visitor centre. Run by a local artist, the British birds workshop will involve creating your own craft bird to take home.
The events have been co-ordinated by Visitor Centre Manager James Davis who said: “The events are designed to help families connect with nature, learn more about the natural world around them and have fun.
“We appreciate that cost is a huge factor at the moment so have priced the events to cover materials, with some guided walks being free with the option to give a charity donation.
“If you have never been to a nature reserve, why not use the half-term break to try something new? In addition to the beautiful reserves and the incredible wildlife to see, we also have lovely cafes with some excellent snacks and coffee on offer.”