Long Lane Pasture

September 2024

Long Lane Pasture is a beautiful natural space that lends itself to all kinds of creative, family-friendly activities.

1. Wildlife Treasure Hunt

Create a list of plants, animals, or insects that children and adults can spot in the pasture. Include things like butterflies, wildflowers, birds, or interesting shaped trees. Kids can tick off each item when they find it. You could even add challenges like taking a photo or sketching what they see.

2. Nature-Inspired Art Workshop

Bring sketchbooks, pencils, or watercolours and have a family art session in the open air. Encourage children to paint or draw what they see around them, whether it's a specific tree, a patch of wildflowers, or a bird. You could even collect leaves or flowers (responsibly) to press or use for a collage back at home.

3. Mini Bug Safari

Equip kids with magnifying glasses or simple bug catchers (transparent containers) and go on a bug hunt. Teach them to look under leaves, in the grass, or on flowers. After observing the insects, gently return them to their habitat. You can even give the bugs fun names and make up stories about their lives in the pasture.

4. Mindfulness Walk with Storytelling

Take a slow, mindful walk through the pasture, noticing all the sights, sounds, and smells. Along the way, tell a nature-themed story that incorporates elements of what you see. This could be an invented story about a creature living in the pasture or a more structured tale that teaches kids about nature conservation.

5. Nature-Themed Yoga

Have a yoga session with your family, with poses inspired by the natural surroundings. Use poses like "tree," "butterfly," or "frog," and encourage deep breathing to connect with the calmness of the environment. Kids will love mimicking the animals and plants they see.

6. Seasonal Nature Journals

Give each child a journal to track the changes in the pasture over the seasons. Visit regularly and have them write down or draw what's new. In the spring, they might see fresh flowers blooming; in autumn, they could observe leaves falling. This activity helps them understand seasonal cycles and appreciate the natural world.

7. Cloud Watching and Nature Meditations

Lay down on the grass and spend time watching the clouds drift by. Encourage everyone to spot shapes in the clouds and make up stories about what they see. Follow this with a short family meditation, focusing on the sounds of the birds, wind, and rustling leaves, making it a relaxing and mindful moment.

8. Pasture Photography Contest

Equip kids with disposable cameras or your phone and encourage them to take photos of their favourite things in the pasture. Afterward, you can have a family photography competition where everyone gets to show off their best pictures. You could even frame the photos or make a collage to remember the day.

9. Outdoor Picnic and Storytelling

Bring a nourishing picnic and enjoy a meal together in the pasture. During the picnic, talk about where the food ingredients come from and how they connect to nature, like how bees help pollinate the plants that provide fruits and vegetables.

10. Just Pop In

Simply pop in without any plans and see what you can discover. You might see a new bird, find a hidden spot, or meet a friendly volunteer. The pasture is full of surprises, so let your curiosity guide you.

Make sure to check our visitor information page before you go. Remember to respect the natural environment and wildlife while you explore the pasture.