Why not take a Nature Walk on
National Tree Day?
"One bright, sunny morning, we set off on a nature walk. The path was soft with crunchy leaves, and tall trees stood on each side, stretching their branches high above us like giant green umbrellas. Birds sang cheerful songs, and a gentle breeze made the leaves dance.
We walked slowly, looking everywhere. There was so much to see – a shiny beetle crawling across a log, tiny mushrooms popping up near tree roots, and colourful wildflowers peeking through the grass. Some of us spotted a fluttery butterfly, while others saw a speedy squirrel zoom up a tree.
We could hear the leaves rustling, birds singing, and even a little stream trickling nearby. Then we stopped and sat very still. We closed our eyes and listened. The forest felt calm and magical. When we opened our eyes again, the sunlight seemed brighter, the colours looked sharper, and we noticed tiny things we’d missed before.
By the end of our walk, we felt happy and full of energy. Nature walks help us relax, discover new things, and enjoy the beauty all around us. Even a short walk can turn into a special adventure!"
What to bring on a Nature Walk
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Comfortable shoes - very important!
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Backpack
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Paper and crayons – to do some bark rubbing and leaf prints
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Water
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Snacks
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Sunscreen
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Magnifying glass
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Camera
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Binoculars
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Umbrella – not for the rain but to catch what falls when you shake a tree!
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Bug box
What to do on a Nature Walk
Listen, how many of the following sounds can you hear? The wind. A river or water flowing. Leaves crackling underfoot. Animals such as cows, sheep or birds
Look at the different species of trees. Identify which are native to Ireland and which are not.
Check the differences between trees standing alone and trees in hedgerows
Identify the following parts of the tree: Trunk, Bark, Roots, Leaves, Branches
Note that different trees have different bark, stems, leaves, buds, fruits and flowers. Some leaves are simple (one leaf on a stem) e.g. hazel, oak, birch, beech, maple, holly etc. Some leaves are compound, many leaves on one stem e.g. Rowan, willow, ash, elder. Some leaves are lobed e.g. Sycamore.
Look around the base of the tree and see what is growing or what has fallen from the tree.
Look out for: Mosses, Fruit, edible plants and mushrooms (take care to be able to identify what can be eaten – if in doubt, throw it away!), birds nests (do not touch them as the momma bird may abandon it), spider webs, dens, burrows, animal tracks, trails and footprints.
Collect the following items from the ground and make a collage: pinecones, leaves, seeds.
Make bark rubbings of each different tree.
Lift a fallen branch to see the number of insects that have made it their home.
Build a Fairy House or Bug Hotel. Use sticks, moss, leaves, and rocks to make tiny shelters.
Lie on a blanket and look at cloud shapes. Make up stories about the shapes you see.
Draw a picture of something that you see on your walk.
Jump in the mud (make sure you have your wellies on!) and make sure to have lots and lots of fun!
Sammy's Scavenger Hunt!
☑ Try to find each of these. Check them off as you go!
"Get ready for some fun- I’ve put together a special Hunt just for you! I even made a printable version you can take along on your adventure. And while you're out on your Nature Walk, be an Earth hero: leave every place just as you found it!"
Trees & Plants
☐ A leaf with jagged edges
☐ A flower (any colour!)
☐ A tree taller than a house
☐ Something fuzzy or mossy
☐ A stick shaped like a letter
Animals & Insects
☐ A bird singing or flying
☐ A butterfly or bee
☐ An animal footprint or trail
☐ A squirrel, rabbit, or bug
☐ A spider web (don't touch!)
Sounds & Smells
☐ Chirping birds
☐ Rustling leaves
☐ Something that smells sweet
☐ Wind blowing through trees
☐ Your own footsteps on a path
Shapes & Textures
☐ A rock that's smooth
☐ Bark that feels rough
☐ Something round
☐ Something tiny
☐ Something really colourful
Bonus Challenges
☐ Find a cloud shaped like an animal
☐ Make a nature bracelet with leaves and flowers (use string or tape)
☐ Spot something moving in the grass