Enjoying nature and wildlife provides lots of learning opportunities for all. Here are a variety of resources for children, young people and families from a range of museums and organisations, including the National Trust, Forestry England and the RSPB, to name a few. Learning doesn't get more enjoyable than this!

Information

iSpot

www.ispotnature.org

Great for wildlife identification and created by the Open University.

Oxford University Museum Of Natural History: learning zone

www.oum.ox.ac.uk/thezone

Designed for younger children to find facts and information on insects.

UK Safari

www.uksafari.com

This has an extensive Identify It facility covering an A–Z of wildlife from Amphibians to Wild Flowers, all with colour photos.

learning resources and activities

Canal & river trust: learning resources

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/resources

This is an excellent learning resource with a wealth of downloadable wildlife explorer trails within the list of resources. Using the filter select either Animals, Habitats or the Environment. Excellent.

Centre of Alternative Technology: wildlife activities

www.cat.org.uk/cat-at-home/cat_at_home-families

A great selection of wildlife activities including the downloadable Winter Wildlife activity booklet.

Connecting to nature

www.chatsworth.org/your-visit/learning/learning-resources/resources-for-ages-5-7

A learning resource aimed at KS1 and KS2 from Chatsworth House. It explores the use of our senses to connect with nature and to discover ways that animals adapt to survive. Select Connecting to Nature. Excellent.

Dartmoor National Park

www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/funzone/games

This has nature activities to do at home or in the classroom.

Dens and shelters

www.chatsworth.org/your-visit/learning/learning-resources/resources-for-ages-5-7

Learn how to build dens and shelters outside or in your home with Chatsworth House. This activity also looks at why shelters are important for animals and how they might build them. It is aimed at KS1 and KS2. Select Dens and Shelters.

Dorset County Museum: natural activities

www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/learn

Select from the Natural Dorset Activities list for things to do while out and about. It includes a Wildflower Spotter Guide.

Durham Cathedral: make a sound card

www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/learning/online-resources

Select Get Creative at Home for downloadable instructions on making a sound card to record the sounds we hear when we stop and listen. Great for in the garden or on a nature walk.

Forests at home

www.forestryengland.uk/forests-at-home

A great set of nature activities for all the family. Requires registering for free downloadable activities.