Feathers

Always a fluffy favourite. They can be quite hard to find in the winter but there should be some about pretty much everywhere if you persist.

There are so many different sizes and shapes of them. You can make art out of them and colour them. You can also blow them and have races. Who can keep their in the air for the longest time?

Twigs

Always available absolutely everywhere where ever there’s a tree and windy weather.

You can hunt for the best wand; pretend it’s a pen; or make lots of patterns with them. Collect lots and you can make a little den or even a broomstick.

Ghost leaves

This is my favourite. Towards the end of the winter, if it’s not too wet (this year might challenge that) you can usually find some ghost leaves. These have their structure intact but the leaf bit has worn away to create a beautiful lace effect.

Who can find the prettiest? Or the holiest? What could you use them for?

Catkins

These beautiful furry flower type things come in several different sizes and textures. You’ll spot them on the trees if you look and then occasionally you’ll come across a tree which has dropped hundreds of them everywhere.

Breaking them up into furry bits is very satisfying. You can even ground them into a powder. See if you can make them into words and leave a message behind for those coming after you.

Blossom

As spring slowly arrives you’ll suddenly find roads and paths covered in different blossom petals. How many can you collect? Can you get them home without them going brown?

If you’re organised and quick you may be able to press them into a flower press.

You might find some unusual kinds too. These squidgy ones we found last year were great fun to touch and squeeze.

Pine cones & similar

There are still lots of pine cones and similar around on conifers. If you look you may find little fruits growing on them.

How many different types of cone can you find? Which do you like best? Which feels most satisfying to touch? Which one is the best fidget?

Leaves

It’s amazing how many leaves there actually are in winter. How many can you find?

What’s the biggest? What’s the smallest? Which is the prettiest? Are they all green? Which colour do you like best?

Why don’t you write a message on one and leave it somewhere for someone else to find.

Cobwebs

These are a tough find at this time of year but it’s do-able if you try. You might need to be a detective. Where might they have survived the winter? Are there any in your house?

Are the ones you find old or new? Wrap them round a stick and see how big you can make the end. If you want to preserve them try spraying them with white paint and using hairspray to stick them on black card.

Stones

So many types, so many places. Beach stones are always popular. Can you find a favourite?

B’s best stone is one on the pavement though, just waiting to be kicked. Can you keep track of it all the way home?

Shells

You probably need a beach for this one.

How many different types can you find? Can you find a really big one? And a really small one? Is there anything living in them? What do you think used to live in them?

What can you make with them? Can you build a tower? Or make them into a picture for other people to find?

Moss

You need scissors and something to carry it in but collecting moss can be very satisfying. Use the scissors to cut a bit. Try and take it from areas where it won’t be missed.

When you get it home how are you doing to keep it? It will need to be kept damp? Where would it look nice and be happy?