November Nature Activities for Families

November in the UK brings a fresh kind of beauty. With leaves mostly fallen after recent storms, and winter just around the corner, our landscapes take on a new character. This month is filled with unique outdoor activities that are perfect for anyone who loves being outside. From spotting seasonal wildlife to stargazing and nature crafting, November is full of ways to explore and connect with nature—plus a few seasonal reminders about looking after pets during fireworks nights!

Wildlife Preparing for Winter

November is ideal for spotting wildlife as animals get ready for colder months ahead.

Spot Deer and Woodland Animals

With fewer leaves after autumn storms, our woodlands offer clearer views of elusive animals like red squirrels, especially in northern England and Scotland. If you’re near Richmond Park in London or the Forest of Dean, you might even catch sight of deer as their rutting season winds down. It’s a memorable experience and one kids are sure to enjoy!

Watch for Migrating Birds

November is also a time of transition in the bird world, with thousands of wintering birds arriving from colder regions. We saw flocks of geese flying over Stanborough park in Welwyn Garden City. Swans, and ducks make dramatic appearances, especially around the RSPB’s Snettisham in Norfolk or Martin Mere in Lancashire. And don’t miss a dusk visit to see the mesmerizing murmurations of starlings as they dance together in the sky. Brighton Pier and Ham Wall in Somerset are top spots to see this seasonal show.

If you are lucky you might spot a blue heron: A rare species in the UK, but has been spotted in the Isles of Scilly. It’s larger and browner than the grey heron, with long, shaggy chest feathers. 

Forage for Autumn Mushrooms

Foraging can be a great way to introduce kids to the world of fungi safely and responsibly.

Which Mushrooms to Look For

  • Wood Blewits: These purple mushrooms grow in fallen leaves and need cooking before eating.
  • Oyster Mushrooms: Found on logs, they’re mild and tasty.
  • Porcini: Known for their earthy flavour, they’re a prized find for mushroom fans.
  • Shaggy Inkcap: Tall and feathery, these mushrooms must be eaten fresh.

If you’re new to foraging, consider joining a guided tour to learn about mushrooms safely and avoid any toxic varieties. Wildfood have an excellent guide. Responsible foraging means only taking what you need, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and other nature lovers.

Stargaze on Crisp, Clear Evenings

As nights grow longer, November skies offer breathtaking stargazing opportunities.

What to See This Month

We missed the Aurora borealis unusually visible over Southern England as the skies were cloudy. But we will look for Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades constellations this month. Around mid-month, the Leonids meteor shower often peaks, with shooting stars streaking across the sky. For the best views, visit a dark-sky site like Northumberland National Park or the South Downs.

Family stargazing is a perfect night out in November: wrap up warmly, bring blankets, and relax under the stars. Stargazing apps like SkyView help identify stars and planets, adding a fun learning aspect for younger kids.

Get Creative with Leaf Collecting and Nature Crafts

With most leaves now blanketing the ground, November is perfect for creative nature activities with kids.

Fun with Leaves and Nature Finds

  • Leaf Rubbings: Place a leaf under paper, and rub a crayon over it to reveal its veins and texture.
  • Leaf Identification: Teach kids how to identify trees by their leaves, like the iconic oak, beech, and sycamore.
  • Autumn Wreaths: Gather leaves, acorns, and twigs to create a seasonal wreath for your home.

Exploring leaves on the ground can reveal hidden insects and fungi, adding a whole new level to a simple nature walk.

Discover Late-Autumn Berries in the Hedgerows

Although berry season is winding down, November’s hedgerows still offer some treasures.

Berries and Nuts to Spot

  • Rosehips: High in vitamin C, they’re great for making syrups.
  • Hawthorn Berries: These red berries add colour and attract birds like thrushes and redwings.
  • Beechnuts and Acorns: While not common in recipes, these are essential for woodland animals stocking up for winter.

Take this time to introduce kids to the wonders of hedgerows, where birds and other creatures depend on these seasonal foods for survival.

Explore Arboretums and Gardens for Late Autumn Colours

November may be chilly, but gardens and arboretums still offer plenty of colour and beauty. Many gardens also host seasonal events, so it’s worth checking for activities near you.

Places to See

  • Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is famous for its Japanese maples, which still show a bit of autumn’s brilliance.
  • Kew Gardens in London and Bodnant Garden in Wales also offer lovely scenes this time of year, with evergreens and the last of the autumn leaves providing natural inspiration.

A walk in these beautiful places can teach children about plant life cycles and how trees and plants adapt to each season.

Prepare Your Garden for Winter Wildlife

As gardens prepare for winter, there are simple ways to make your space wildlife-friendly.

Tips for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

  • Build a Leaf Pile: This provides shelter for insects and small animals, like hedgehogs.
  • Add a Bird Feeder: Help birds with a winter food supply by filling feeders with seeds and suet.
  • Create Log Piles: Small piles of wood attract insects, fungi, and even toads.

These little changes can help animals survive through winter and teach children about conservation and caring for wildlife.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Nature Events

November is full of local events, from guided nature walks to wildlife spotting and hands-on workshops. Many are organised by groups like the Wildlife Trusts and RSPB, offering family-friendly outings with expert guides. It’s an ideal way to learn more about local ecosystems and conservation.

Remember, Remember…

Look After Pets During Fireworks

Fireworks are a big part of November in the UK, especially around Guy Fawkes Night on 5th. While they’re exciting for us, they can be stressful for pets. If you have pets, keep them indoors when fireworks are expected, and create a quiet, comfortable space for them to feel safe. Our cat Kenny has no fear of loud noises such as lawn mowers, hoovers, hairdryers etc but is terrified of fireworks and has a basket under the bed that he goes to while we sit with him. The RSPCA have a useful guide.

November’s mix of wildlife, crisp air, and starry nights makes it a wonderful time to explore the UK’s natural beauty. Whether you’re foraging, stargazing, or creating nature crafts, November offers plenty of adventures that deepen our connection to the world around us. So wrap up warm, head outdoors, and enjoy this special time of year with family, students, or friends!

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.