Summer invites us to look up, slow down and notice. Outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for curiosity, connection and learning.
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Summer invites us to look up, slow down and notice.
Sea, sand and sky can offer rich opportunities for exploration and reflection, but the same qualities can be found in woodlands, parks, riversides and green spaces closer to home. Whether you're watching the tides, examining seaweed, listening to the wind in the trees or simply taking time to notice what's around you, outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for curiosity, connection and learning.
This month, we invite you to reflect:
Whether it's sea, sand, sky or a patch of green close to home, August offers plenty of opportunities to reconnect with the natural world.
Let's keep noticing.
Liz Edwards
Founder, Muddy Faces
... ideas inspired by sea, sand and sky, from Beach School and seaweed discoveries to summer outdoor activities and coastal wildlife resources, and inspiration for connecting with nature wherever you are this August.
From tides and weather to wildlife and natural materials, the shoreline offers endless opportunities for exploration. Beach School encourages children to connect with place through observation, curiosity and hands-on discovery.
National Marine Week is the perfect time to take a closer look at the life around us on the coast. A seaweed search can spark conversations about habitats, biodiversity and the important role our seas play in supporting life.
Explore our National Marine Week and Big Seaweed Search event pages for ideas, resources and ways to get involved.
The benefits of slowing down and noticing aren't limited to the coast. Forest bathing offers a simple way to connect with nature through the senses, encouraging calm, curiosity and a deeper awareness of the natural world.
Bring the coast a little closer with resources to help children explore shoreline wildlife, spark curiosity and discover more about the natural world.
A range of trails, guides and books based on seashores, coastal birds, freshwater animals and more.
A bundle of books that tell you about the seashore, help you identify the plants and animals on our coast and give you some ideas and activities to do at the waters edge.
From beach adventures to everyday outdoor exploration, discover simple ways to learn, play and connect with nature this summer.
INSPIRATIONS - sand
A collection of sand and beach activities including sand art, building, balancing and exploring, ideal for creative outdoor learning in sandpits or seaside environments.
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INSPIRATIONS - summer
A collection of summer outdoor activities including making elderflower cordial, flower pressing, sun printing, den building, sand play and shadow play ideas.
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The Muddy Faces Outdoor Hub is a free resource bringing together activities, information and events to support outdoor practice. Spending time outdoors, in all weathers and across the seasons, plays an important role in supporting children’s health and wellbeing.
Outdoor Hub
The Outdoor Hub is a massive FREE resource filled with activities, information and events to support you to get outdoors. Connecting to the elements, nature and each other has incredible positive health and wellbeing benefits.
Training & Events Calendar
Hundreds of outdoor-themed celebrations and awareness days to spark ideas for work and play.
Plus listings for Forest School, outdoor play and learning, and other nature-focused training and events.
Find out more about Forest School training here.
Visit our list of trainers signed up to the Muddy Faces Trainers Community: • Forest School trainers • Bushcraft trainers • Outdoor Learning/Nature Play trainers.
Sign up for our free newsletter, including our regular What's On News highlighting upcoming events to inspire your work and play outdoors: The Muddy Faces Newsletter.
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Activities
A wide-ranging collection of nature-based activities for children, supporting outdoor learning through crafts, games, exploration and hands-on experiences with natural materials.
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