Number 31 and Number 34 of the 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4 is
Hunt For Bugs
Track Wild Animals
“We’re going on a bug hunt
we’re going on a bug hunt
we’re going to catch a big one
I’m not afraid! I’m not afraid!“
*ahem*
For Christmas my Mum and Step Dad bought us National Trust membership which, and this must be a sign that I am
1) a parent
2) getting old
I was chuffed to bits by this gift. When I was a teenager I used to HATE visiting National Trust properties they were boring places that fuddy duddies frequented and asides from the odd fact sheet and ‘find the….’ form, they were not appealing to youngsters asides from the historical side I guess!!! At least these are the memories I have from when I was aged 12-15.
Nowadays however, the National Trust are completely geared up for families and children and offer a whole range of activities, workshops and exhibitions which offer hands on learning and fun for kids of most ages. Hence, with free entry it is somewhere I can take the boys a lot this year to have a run around, enjoy a picnic and try out some new activities.
Anyway, as is usual I digressed somewhat!
So last Sunday I checked to see what was happening at our nearest property, Arlington Court, and they were holding a Farraway Tree trail based on the book by Enid Blyton. However, when we were arrived we were told that due to the awful wet weather before Christmas the trail had been washed away! Still, in its place we were told we could undertake a bug hunt nature trail instead which we chose to do and which Burton was very excited about doing.
The trail was about 2 miles long and very, very muddy but it was also a lot of fun and proved very interesting to Burton – Jenson slept for most of it so he wasn’t aware of what we did!
centipede
wild mushrooms
woodlice
spider
horse prints
dogs paw prints
hairy green moss
ducks
As we left to head home a fire engine rushed in as a baby deer had got itself stuck in the same lake that we hadn’t long since stood by. I have no idea if it survived, hopefully it did, but seeing a rescue unfold would have been interesting!!
It was a really lovely way to spend a couple of family time hours and Burton (and I) cannot wait to return!
This post was brought to you as part of Flashback Friday
This is a linky where you can link up a flashback of your own
Remember a flashback can be from any time whether it be yesterday, last week, last month, last year or yesteryear! It can be a flashback of your own, your children, your partner or your friends. And if you don’t want to write a post, then just link up a photo with a date. If you don’t have time to write a new post, no problem simply link up a post you have already posted.
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Thank you xx
Thank you xx
Looks like you had a lot of fun! What a great xmas pressie; something you can enjoy all year.
Love this, looks like so much fun xxx
It looks like you had so much fun! I dread to think of how muddy you all were afterwards, as well as your clothes! xx
This looks so much fun – Im not sure I would have been brave enough to pick up a centipede (or anything with a lot of legs really!!) but it looks like the boys really enjoyed it!
I would be chuffed with a National Trust membership too, oh dear! Looks like lots of fun and not how I remember National Trust from when I was younger. You’ve inspired me to look up some events near us for my planned family days. As always, lovely photos of your boys xx
That looks like great fun. We have a National Trust membership but really don’t use it as much as we’d like.
My post this week is based on a hunt too but of a different kind – exploring is great fun!. This looks like a lovely location to visit and great outdoor play for the boys, and you too! 🙂
Over from Country Kids x
I love the way you can turn simple things into a day out that anyone would envy! Jenny your pictures are wonderful and so beautifully arranged in the collage. I know just wht you mean about National Trust then and now. I like to think it is the National Trust that has changed and not be getting old! Thank you for linking up on Country Kids.
This sounds really good. And you must forgive me because this isn’t in my grow your blog memes page – I shall add it now.
Thats so funny you should say that about the National Trust, I used to hate it but now I love going to places with Mads. I love the photos too. x
Baha, I was a fuddy duddy before my time then as I’ve been a NT member pretty much forever! Arlington Ct looks great, always looking for new places. The family membership is a bit pricey and need to get my money’s worth 😉 Beautiful pics – as always x
you are right about the family membership. luckily my two are still free entry! x
i am soooo glad someone else agree with me x
thanks it was a lot of fun. nothing to forgive i wasnt aware you had a blog memes page x (thank you)
thanks Fiona. as i have said before its your linky which helps to get me out and about. x
exploring is indeed lots of fun 🙂 x
you must check it out be lots happening form the girls i bet x
it has def changed over the years i guess it has had to to attract families. and thank you x
it was a lot of fun and i am not a big fan of bugs but had to show willing lol x
it was a lot of (muddy!) fun my boots are still covered as is the buggy x
thank you we all enjoyed ourselves x
what fun! Love your photos I love going on bug hunts!
That is fab fun.Even if bugs are kind of ewww. I love him climbing the tree!
I too am getting old and would LOVE a National Trust membership as a present. I will have to start dropping hints. I did an intake of breath when I read ‘Faraway Tree’!!! I blooming loved Enid Blyton as a little girl. Your bug hunt looked fun though and I’ve just realised we’ve never been on one so will have to put that right. I really love your header photos too.
Looks amazing, I am desperately trying to find a decent woodland around us to visit with The Boy and failing miserably. Will check out the National Trust website and see if I can find one nearby.
Awww am having a Flashback of your flashback. All seems to be going so fast.
10 Low Cost Ways To Get Kids Active This Summer | Mummy Mishaps
[…] to do and can be done at home in your garden, at the park, in the forest or down a country lane bug hunting is just fun and gives kids the chane to become mini explorers. You can also go pond dipping which […]