Did you know that every Thursday afternoon in term-time there is a free wild play session for young children on Horfield Common?

‘My Wild Child’ sessions are for parents and carers with 2 – 4 year olds and involve mini beast hunts, mud painting, take-home nature crafts and wild stories and songs!

The drop-in sessions teach children about nature and introduce them to a different way of interacting with their local park; all with the aim of  inspiring them to do something for nature from a young age.

At a typical session first there is singing, led by the song “Hedge the Hedgehog”. Each week there is a different guided activity. For example, on Spider Week the children made spiders from pinecones and pipe cleaners and were able to take them home at the end of the session.

Other activities have included making bird feeders and seed bombs.

After the week’s themed activity the children are free to explore other hands-on practical activities. Such activities have included making a tepee which was used as a story tent, bug hunting, mud painting, treasure hunt and looking at the trees with mirrors.

At the end of the session there is more singing, a story and a sticker to take home. Wildlife Watch Sheets are also often given to the children to do at home.

My Wild child sessions are led by a trained forest school practitioner and mum and are organised by Avon Wildlife Trust. Sessions are funded by the Players of the people’s Postcode Lottery and run across six communities in Bristol.

If you would like to come along and try a My Wild Child session on Horfield Common, do come along – all are welcome and no booking is required.

Sessions are held every Thursday in term-time from 1 – 2.30pm – meet by the Café on the Common.

My Wild Child takes place whatever the weather so come dressed in old clothes, sturdy footwear and waterproofs!

For more details about My Wild Child sessions please visit http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/mywildchild.