Nurturing a Love for Nature in Children during winter.

December is a time of magic—when frost sparkles on the ground, birds from afar fill our hedgerows. It’s also a perfect month to inspire children to connect with nature, an endeavour that’s more vital than ever. Recent research shows that time spent outdoors boosts children’s happiness, health, and academic success, while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world​. So wrap up and get outside with our Guide to Nature in December.

The Magic of Winter Wildlife: Watch and Learn

Winter is a season of survival and spectacle. Encourage children to observe how animals adapt to the cold and provide opportunities to help wildlife thrive.

Spot Seasonal Birds

December brings redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia, along with resident robins and blackbirds. Redwings are recognisable by the red patches under their wings, while fieldfares have striking speckled breasts. Set up a bird feeder or leave out apples to attract them to your garden​. You can identify them and hear their calls on the Woodland Trust website.

In December waxwings, which are migratory birds from Scandinavia and Russia, can be spotted in the UK as part of their winter journey. They are often seen in areas where berry crops, such as rowan and hawthorn, are abundant. The waxwings arrive from late autumn and may stay into early spring, though their presence fluctuates yearly based on the availability of food

This time of year starlings perform mesmerising murmurations, swirling in the sky before settling into roost. Take your family to a local nature reserve to witness this stunning display​. There is actually a map so you can find places to watch this spectacle on the Starlings in the UK website.

Help Hibernating Animals

Many creatures, like hedgehogs, bats, and dormice, are in hibernation.

Create a wildlife-friendly space by leaving leaf piles and log stacks undisturbed.

Turning your compost won’t hurt wildlife, but it will disturb any hibernating slow worms, frogs or hedgehogs from their winter slumber. Moving compost around in cold conditions will lose some of that all-important heat needed for decomposition too, so it’s best to wait until spring when the weather warms up and any residents have moved on.

Providing water and food for birds can make a significant difference in winter survival​.

You can find more ideas on the RSPCA website.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice: A Festival of Light

The winter solstice (Saturday 21st December at 09.21 GMT) marks the year’s shortest day and longest night. Like many other religious holidays, Yule is a celebration of light. Cultures worldwide have celebrated the return of the sun for millennia.

Family Activities:

  • Stonehenge Livestream: Watch the sunrise align with the ancient stones.
  • Craft Lanterns: Make simple paper lanterns and take a walk at dusk, lighting the way to symbolise the sun’s return.

Solstice celebrations teach children about cycles in nature, resilience, and renewal.

Stargazing and the Cold Moon

December’s Cold Moon lights up the night on Sunday 15th, symbolizing the frosty chill of winter. This is also the time to catch the Geminids Meteor Shower.

Stargazing Tips:

  • Bundle Up: Bring blankets, hot chocolate, and binoculars.
  • Find a Dark Sky Spot: Rural areas or nature reserves are ideal for clear views.
  • Make a Wish: Encourage kids to make wishes on falling stars as they spot meteors.

The Cold Moon often coincides with some of the clearest night skies, providing a perfect backdrop for celestial observations​. There is an excellent website – National Parks – that shows you the best places to stargaze with minimal light pollution.

The Joy of Evergreens and Berries

Holly, ivy, and mistletoe provide vibrant colour and vital food for wildlife. Encourage children to gather responsibly and learn about their significance.

Holly, with its vibrant red berries and glossy green leaves, has long been a symbol of hope and renewal during the darkest days of winter. Ancient cultures like the Druids, Celts, and Romans believed evergreens possessed magical qualities, representing the promise of spring’s return. In Christianity, holly became a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns, with the red berries signifying his blood and the evergreen leaves symbolizing eternal life.

Mistletoe, another cherished winter greenery, has its roots in pagan traditions, where it symbolized fertility and protection. Though once banned from early Christian decorations due to its pagan associations, it eventually became tied to the romantic tradition of kissing beneath it, a custom linked to love and good fortune. Meanwhile, ivy, with its clinging nature, symbolized friendship and fidelity. Though associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, and once viewed with suspicion by early Christians, it later found its place in festive decorations alongside holly, representing resilience and eternal life.

Nature Crafts

  • Wreath Making: Use holly and ivy to create festive decorations. Look at The Countryside Charity for wreath making ideas.
  • Bird-Friendly Garlands: String together popcorn and cranberries to hang outdoors, offering birds a festive feast. Ivy berries ripen in winter, providing one of the few available food sources for birds like blackbirds and thrushes​

The Importance of Outdoor Learning

Research by WWF and The Wildlife Trusts emphasizes the critical role of outdoor education in children’s wellbeing. Schools that integrate nature into their curriculum see improved mental health, academic performance, and teacher satisfaction​

Why Outdoor Play Matters

Engaging with nature, whether through gardening or outdoor play, helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression. The act of physically interacting with the earth, such as digging or planting, can release endorphins, boosting mood and providing a sense of accomplishment and calm​

Moreover, research indicates that exposure to natural environments has a soothing effect on the brain, promoting a sense of well-being and lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone​

Additionally, these activities have been linked to a stronger immune system. Gardening and spending time outdoors can expose individuals to beneficial microbes in the soil, which may help build immunity and promote better overall health​

Early exposure fosters a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment.

December – A Month for Exploration and Reflection

December offers endless opportunities for families to explore the natural world, deepen their connection to the environment, and create lasting memories. Whether watching redwings feast on berries, stargazing under the Cold Moon, or celebrating the return of the sun, there’s something magical for everyone. By embracing the season’s wonders, we not only nurture a love for nature in our children but also plant the seeds of conservation for generations to come.

For more ideas on connecting with nature, visit Rockford’s Rock Opera and explore the stories that inspire curiosity and care for the natural world.

Resources for Teachers and Families

Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.

This latest positive news story connects to the themes in our audiobook stories and our video Distant Generation.

For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast for kids.  Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.

Download our FREE Animated Audiobook for all the family.

We’re delighted to share that, for a limited time only, all four parts of Lost on Infinity (animated adventure on apps) are absolutely FREE on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Suitable for listeners of all ages. Download them all now and embark on an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the power of nature and the importance of protecting all living things.