National Trust challenges children to reconnect with nature in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
National Trust - John Millar
National Trust - Arnhel de Serra
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National Trust - Rod Edwards
National Trust - John Millar
National Trust - John Millar
National Trust - Joe Cornish
his summer the National Trust re-launches its popular ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ campaign.
The campaign was originally launched last year in response to the Natural Childhood report, highlighting evidence of a dramatic decline in children’s relationship with nature. It challenged children to have a go at once-commonplace activities such a climbing a tree, making a mud pie and building a den. This year, there are 15 new activities on the list which has been put together with the help of the National Trust’s new Kids Council. Some are things you can do on your own, whilst others are on offer at various organised events. These are just some of the things you can do this summer at our special places in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire: 1. Climb a tree at Stowe - Choose your tree carefully. You need one with big, strong branches that you can reach from the ground. 2. Build a den at Cliveden - Children can build their own den in the woods at Cliveden where there is also a new natural play area. 3. Fly a kite at Hughenden - The rolling hills of the Chilterns are perfect for flying a kite and you might even see some red kite too! 4. Create some wild art at Basildon Park - The beautiful setting and natural surroundings of Basildon Park could bring out the artist in you 40 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES
5. Make a mud pie at Ashridge Estate - You can’t get much closer to nature than making a mud pie. Which recipe will you use today? 6. Make a trail with sticks in the Chilterns Countryside - You will never get lost in the woods if you know how to make your own secret trail. 7. Hold a scary beast at Hughenden - You can hunt for mini-beasts anywhere. All you need is a magnifying glass and some patience. We will provide the magnifying glass … 8. Go on a nature walk at night at West Wycombe HIll - Find out which creatures come out to play at night on this guided walk with a nature expert. 9. Make a grass trumpet at Grey’s Court - an you make one blade of grass sound like a loud trumpet? All it takes is some grass and a bit of practice. 10. Cook on a campfire at our specially organised events - Lighting a campfire and cooking your own food really does bring you back to nature, so we have organised campfire cooking events at Ashridge Estate, Basildon Park and Cliveden. You can visit any participating National Trust place to pick up your 50 things scrapbook; then download a 50 things planner to find out where to tick off the activities in your area at nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast.