The benefits of being outdoors are widely known, with research carried out by the Woodland Trust suggesting that 90% of people who spend time in nature enjoy an elevated sense of wellbeing compared with those who don’t. And from stress reduction to immune system boosts, autumn is a time when those benefits become supercharged.
Physically, the air is cooler – making it easier to breathe than during the more humid summer months, improving lung function and increasing oxygen intake. And trees produce compounds called phytoncides, thought to reduce inflammation and stress.
Emotionally, it is thought petrichor – the earthy smell that occurs after rain, caused by the compound geosmin being released into the air – may induce a sense of wellbeing, while the vibrant colours of autumn can spark our imaginations and childhood memories.
“It’s a multi-sensory time of year to be appreciated with a change in the light, smells, and sounds,” says Sally Bailey, a forest school leader and storyteller. “The birds are busy preparing for cold weather, and the shadows are growing longer. There’s a feeling of the woodland starting to relax and go into the deep sleep of winter.”
As playgrounds go, woodlands take some beating. Abundant with climbing frames (fallen trees), art supplies (earth, fallen leaves and flowers), den building equipment (sticks and branches) – they’re the perfect place to enjoy as a family. So wrap up, grab your wellies, and head out into the crisp autumn air to enjoy these creative ideas at your nearest Woodland Trust site.
Build a den
An oldie but a goodie, den building is loved by children of all ages. Long, straight sticks are best. Prop them securely against a tree and don’t forget an entrance hole. Weave thin sticks in and out of the uprights and cover with fallen leaves. The rest is up to you. Play hide and seek or use it as a wildlife hide and spot birds.
Identify poo and prints
There are many ways to track animals, so if poo is not your thing, look out for footprints, feathers and claw marks. Make notes, sketch them, or take pictures to search once you get home. Make a list of the creatures you’ve discovered. (Remember: children love a clipboard!)
Fungi fun
As nature’s best decomposer and nutrient source, fungi are a fundamental part of the ecosystem – and abundant in autumn. “Early education with children is crucial,” says Bailey. “Stress the importance of leaving it alone with a ‘No Picking, No Kicking, No Licking’ mantra. Woodland Trust has great guides that help identify the different kinds.”
Go bonkers for conkers
Conkers ripen in autumn and fall to the ground around the base of horse chestnut trees. If you’re collecting for a game, hard and round is best (avoid dents), and check for duds by placing them in a bowl of water where the keepers will sink. Harden them further by baking or painting them with clear varnish before skewering and threading with string. Alternatively, Bailey suggests painting them white to become ghoulish eyeballs for homemade Halloween decor.
Forage!
The UK countryside in autumn is perfect for stocking up on natural goodness. Collect rosehips for a vitamin C rich tea; linden tree seeds to roast as a chocolate alternative; dandelion leaves for a nutrient-dense green salad; or nettle seeds for a supercharged sprinkle on yoghurt or desserts. Wear long sleeves and trousers and even consider gloves (for those nettles). Or keep it simple and look out for some delicious crab apples to turn into crab apple jelly.
Go on a minibeast hunt
An excellent use of observation skills, this will bring you up-close and personal with wildlife. Unlike bees and butterflies, their spring/summer cohorts, autumn minis prefer dark, damp spots, so lift large stones and logs to find woodlice and millipedes, or check tree bark for beetles and spiders. If it’s rained recently (likely, let’s face it) see who can spot the most slugs and snails.
Experience forest bathing
Originating in Japan, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is different from a woodland walk because it encourages engagement with nature through mindfulness. Use any practice you like, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (five things you see; four you touch; three to hear; two for smell; one for taste) or simply lie on your back to observe shapes in the clouds. The combination of meditation and nature can lead to better sleep and improved focus. And because forest bathing doesn’t require the stricter meditation rules of total peace, it can be especially valuable for children (and adults) who have trouble sitting still.
Look for spider webs
There are approximately 650 species of spider in the UK. In autumn they’re fully grown and looking for a mate so their webs are everywhere. Seasonal mist and dew make the webs even more visible so go spotting and learn the variations: orb (circular, spiral), sheet (flat, horizontal), funnel (funnel-shaped retreats), tangle (irregular, AKA cobwebs), lace (woolly, bluish meshes), and hammock (domed sheets supported by “guy ropes”).
Learn your A, B, C
Enjoy some experimental learning that involves real-life objects on an alphabet hunt. Whether it’s fallen twigs in the shape of a “W” or a pile of leaves that have dropped in the shape of an O, see if you can complete the full A to Z. If you’re really stuck, ivy can be very pliable – just be gentle!
Get arty
Create a picture frame on the forest floor with branches and fill it with a collage made from treasures found in the forest – fallen acorns, leaves, seed pods and cones, or thread leaves on to a stick to fashion a wreath. Autumnal woodland is rich with art supplies to inspire all imaginations.
Join the Woodland Trust
Discover autumn’s dramatic scenes and help nature thrive by becoming a Woodland Trust member. Join today and keep all the drama of the woods alive
