Let Your Kids Go Wild Outside ─ Creative Ways to Help Children Discover Nature and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

In an era when the iPad is often more appealing than the park, it can be difficult to encourage kids to get off the couch and go outside. In this inspirational book, with ideas for children of all ages, foraging expert Fiona Bird shows the value of playing outside and discovering nature for children and families alike.

First Fiona teaches children about their environment, including conservation guidelines and tips on how to forecast the weather. Armed with this knowledge, the outside adventure goes Into the Woods, in Chapter 1, with outdoor crafts including making leaf art bunting, a dream catcher, and a woodland broom. In Chapter 2, Meadows, Hedgerows, and Hills, ideas include wild face paints, natural dyeing, and making potpourri. Onward to Chapter 3, Seashore, where children learn how to go beachcombing, identify different seaweeds, play beach hopscotch, and make a mollusk wind chime. In Chapter 4, Water and Wetlands, children learn to make their own charcoal and go on an animal track and poop hunt! For those who don’t want to move far from home, there’s plenty to do in My Wild Garden and Kitchen, Chapter 5, such as making a snail holiday village and attracting bugs, as well as developing hunting and gathering skills, with seasonal recipes made from natural ingredients.

So let your kids go wild outside, and enjoy watching them learn and blossom.

Fiona Bird is a graduate of the University of St Andrew's, mother of six and former BBC Masterchef finalist. She lives in Scotland and divides her time between the Glens of Angus and the Isle of South Uist, where her husband is the local doctor. Fiona loathes the inquisitive seals that spy on her as she picks seaweed from their larder and is happier when the Machair cows are in the distance. She is often seen on her bicycle with a basket full of seaweed or other wild edibles and is usually late for kirk on a Sunday. When time permits Fiona shares her foraging tips and recipes in The Huffington Post.