What to do with the Nature Park in the summer term
The summer term is in full swing and nature is putting on a show, from colourful wildflower displays to sightings of spring’s newcomers — like fox cubs, froglets, and robins — finding their feet in new surroundings. Discover how you can get involved in this burst of nature activity on your site with the Nature Park this summer term!
Record wildlife on your site with our nature surveys
The Nature Park nature surveys are a crucial step in your Nature Park journey, allowing you to make informed decisions about how to enhance your space and measure the impact of your efforts over time, all while being part of national science research! We've currently got three to choose from: the Pollinator Count and Grassland Plant Survey are structured surveys based on national schemes, while iNaturalist is an entry-level tool to identify the wildlife on your site.
Get involved in Nature Discovery Week (29 June - 3 July)
Nature Discovery Week is taking place from Monday 29 June - Friday 3 July. Although you can take part in the various nature surveys throughout the year, this week is a great opportunity to set time aside to do them on your site alongside others across the country. We've also got some special badges you can download for each survey that you do during the week!
Take part in Nature Discovery Week
Start making changes and track what you've done
Wildlife flourishes best in natural spaces, no matter how small. While human-made areas such as pathways serve a purpose, there may be some grey corners dotted around your site just waiting for a nature makeover! Transforming the smallest of spots can still make noticeable differences,i including helping to support biodiversity, improve drainage and build climate resilience.
Browse our ideas for improvement and see what could work on your site, and make sure to track the changes you've made with the Tracking Change tool.
Ideas for improvementChange grey to greenTracking Change tool
Reflect on your Nature Park journey so far with this zine making activity
As the school year comes to an end, now is a great time to reflect on your Nature Park journey so far: how you have explored the habitats surrounding your setting, the wildlife you’ve spotted, and the steps you’ve taken to bring nature into your learning.
A creative way to capture this journey is by making your own zine. These DIY magazines are a dynamic outlet for children and young people to reflect, celebrate and share their experiences. Budding storytellers, poets, and photographers and everyone involved in the journey so far can help fill the pages of the zine making it a truly collaborative effort.
Display a Nature Park plaque
Celebrate the habitats and spaces you’ve created by marking them with a Nature Park plaque. You can use one of our templates or design your own, illustrating them with your own drawings, photos, or collages. These eye-catching signs are a great way to highlight the improvements you’ve made and can inspire others to learn more about your work!
Want more inspiration? Hear from pupils at Harrogate School about what they've been getting up to!
A huge thank you to Harrogate School for starring in the video!