Half term time!

This half term is the first holiday of the summer and is a great time to start spending more time outdoors. So, avoid the TV and games consoles and spend some time in nature instead: it is a much healthier option! Below are some ideas of things you can do during the family's free time.

Shropshire is one of the greenest places in England and no matter where you live in the county, there is always a local park, gardens or nature reserve to visit. Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council own several reserves, most of which are covered on the Shropshire's Great Outdoors website.

For the more adventurous families, we have some really wild areas on our doorstep too. In the Shropshire Hills, the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve is a great place to go for a hike and has an accessible trail too. In the far north of Shropshire lie Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses, which cover over 2500 acres and are full of special wildlife that you are unlikely to see anywhere else.

We also have over 40 nature reserves which are all free to visit. Some are small and can be explored in just a few minutes, but below we have highlighted some of the reserves with good hiking options and picnicking opportunities (don't forget to take your picnic blankets!).

South Shropshire

For those half term days at home, you can also get the whole family involved with some of our self-guided activities and guides. Below are a few ideas for things to do, to help you have a productive holiday break that also helps wildlife!

You can also download more guides from our Wild About Gardens page here.

Click the links below to download your own free activity sheets and how-to guides.

How to make a pine cone bird feeder

Grow your own oak tree

How to make a wildlife hidey hole

Make a beetle bucket

Bugs in the bushes activity