05/10/2026
Autumn Detectives 🍂
On Friday, we welcomed St John the Baptist Findon to Wild Heart Hill for the first time, and what a beautiful autumn day it was!
We began with a seasonal species hunt, with each group given their own detective pack and a challenge: to find as many different species as they could, including evidence of who may have been around before them! 🕵️♀️🍂
Children searched high and low, using binoculars to spot birds in the canopy, assessing flattened trails through the shrub layers, and noticing and measuring holes at ground level.
“I think we found an owl pellet,” shared one child.
“I think I saw a badger move in that hole.”
"I found 22 species just on my own!"
From tracks and trails to feathers, holes and other signs of wildlife, the children discovered far more diversity and evidence of life, than they had originally expected. Nature is full of clues if we take the time to look closely. 🔎🌿
We then moved on to land art, inspired by Andy Goldsworthy, while others built a communal den or simply played in and among the trees. We even fitted in some fire-lighting practice and shared a few cheeky marshmallows around the campfire. 🔥
A perfect autumn day, and everything we’re about: giving children meaningful memories in nature, learning through curiosity and exploration, and building a connection with the natural world so we can grow to care for and protect it. 🌱🤎
