Nature Thursdays

Join our Education team to explore the beautiful Ashdown Forest. We will be exploring the seasons with a walk, fun activities, natural crafts and games.

Build your nature knowledge over the year and connect with the wild! Different topics and activities every session.

Suitable for children aged 5 - 12 years, accompanied by an adult. Please check individual events as some are more suitable for children age 6 years and over.

Please come dressed to be outdoors whatever the weather in clothes you don't mind getting muddy and messy. Long sleeves, long trousers and sturdy shoes are required throughout the year for both children and adults, as these will help protect from stings and scratches.

Please buy a ticket for each child attending (£10 per child). Parents/guardians are free. Parking is included - you will need to register your car on arrival in the Information Barn at the Forest Centre.

Nature walks take place over uneven ground and may not be easily accessible for all. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need advice.

These events are not suitable for dogs.

19th February: Beaks
Beaks come in all shapes and sizes and help birds find food in all sorts of different ways. Explore who has the best beak for the job whilst on a walk on the Forest.

2nd April: Nests
Do all birds make nests? Who is the best at building them? Are birds the only one who build nests? Are you as good at nest building as a swallow? Discover the answers to these questions and more!

9th April: Feathers
Join us on a feather hunt to find out what they can tell us about the birds that left them behind.

28th May: Scales
Discover Ashdown’s reptiles and find out why they love the heat so much.

30th July: Stream explorer
Find and follow some of the Forest’s streams and see who lives in them. This session is suitable for those who can independently walk 2km. Involves steep slopes and uneven ground.

6th August: Hoppers and leapers
Who’s got a spring in their step or even in their tail? Learn about Forest inhabitants who use their leaping prowess to escape capture or catch prey.

13th August: Bracken
Find out about these ancient plants and join us to take action to help look after the heathland. This is more fun than it sounds! Most suitable for children 7 years and over. Long sleeves and trousers are essential for both adults and children.

20th August: Toes and talons
Take a look at some different feet and the tracks they leave behind. Make a plaster cast to take home.

27th August: Fur
Fur is essential for keeping warm but offers other benefits too. Explore the sensory world of mammals and discover who has the softest fur... and whose fur would be better not to touch!

29th October: Skulls and bones
Can you identify which skulls belongs to which animal? Help piece together some tiny skeleton puzzles.