Nature Detectives Woodcraft Park Farm – Autumn
Groups will go out in clans with leaders and DF to search for various natural items, and bring the evidence back to look up the items in the resource books.
- Nuts & Fruits - Collect five different kinds of nuts and fruits from around the area.
Clue: There may be some which have fallen as well as those still on the trees and bushes.
- Wild Animals – Collect evidence of five different wild animals that live in the woods and surrounding area.
You can ask leaders to take photos rather than try to bring the evidence back.
Clues: Look for leaves and bark that have been eaten off trees & bushes. You may find the nests or homes of some of the animals. The clan names might help. Look for animal droppings. Watch out for animal fur caught on bushes. You may be lucky enough to find a hazel nut shell with a perfectly round hole where an animal has removed the kernel from the inside.
- Birds – Collect evidence of five different birds that live in the woods and surrounding area.
If you find any habitats don’t destroy them but leave them in place.
Clues: Look for and identify nests. Listen for bird calls and identify them, leaders may even be able to video and record the sound of some birds. If you see nest in high places you may be able to take picture of them. Sit quietly, listen and look it is surprising how much you can hear and see.
- Mushrooms – Collect evidence of five different mushrooms from in and around the woods. Only take pictures don’t pick them, some are poisonous.
Clue: Take photos from above, from the side and from below if possible.
- Mini-beasts – Collect evidence of five different mini-beasts from the woods.
Clues: You could try rolling a log over to see if there is anything hiding below it. If you find a very dead log peel some bark off and see if there is anything there. Some insects build things in trees and bushes to catch their pray.
- Tree Leaves - Collect five different tree leaves. Don’t collect leaves from bushes they won’t count.
Clue: Make sure each one is from a different type of tree.
- Special Item - Collect the evidence of one surprise item to show other members.