Forage
 DartmoorVisit Dartmoor, your local moorland, and nature reserve. Enjoy a long stroll, accompanied with some stunning views! |  SnailsBe mindful of the snails in your garden, and try to resist using snail pellets to reduce the population, as these can be consumed by other creatures, and make them poorly. |
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 Warleigh PointVisit Warleigh Point, for an estuarine walk in Plymouth. |  FoxDo not freak out if you are lucky enough to find a fox in your garden; remember that it would be extremely rare for a fox to hurt you, they are scared of most cats and are generally just looking for some food to survive - they may try to take your chickens, or rabbits; just secure your hutch to be safe. |
 Plymbridge WoodsVisit this National Trust site, which leads you up onto the moor; it is filled with some wonderful woodland trails. |
 RobinPut out some slices of apple and berries, if you wish to attract a Robin; if they have made a nest do not touch it as you will scare the birds, and they will not return home. |  Pine ConesForage for some pine cones, and then cut them in half to reveal their gorgeous spinal pattern. |
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 Bird HouseConsider building and decorating a bird box, so that you welcome birds into your garden, and provide them with a cosy, dry place to nest. |  TulipsTry to plant a variety of flowers in your garden to attract different species of insect. |
 Glistening Spider WebsDo not be afraid of spiders, they are just as incredible as butterflies; just look at the stunning web designs they produce! |  sPlant a variety of flowers for bees to pollinate; also consider taking a bee keeping course with your local community, so that you can make your own delicious honey, for free! |
 Christmas Tree Bug HotelGive a bug a home this Christmas, take a look at the video library below to discover how to make your own by following one of our step-by-step tutorials. |  Stick ManThis is a fun, free crafty project which you can create by foraging for sticks! |
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 Welly WalkPut on your wellington boots, and visit your nearest Woodland, for some fresh outdoor fun. |  DragonflyDragonflies are absolutely gorgeous creatures, and really need your help to survive. Follow the link to find out about these insects, and what you can do for them. |
 Stover Country ParkStover is a serene Nature Reserve, in Newton Abbot .It is well worth a visit, and is a stunning location to see nature at its happiest. |  Dragonfly Helicopters.You can forage for some Maple Tree Seed Pods, and paint their edges, then glue them to a small stick. This is a very simple craft, which could make a beautiful gift. |
 SquirrelWe're not asking you to go around chasing squirrels, and collecting them, simply to be mindful of their habitat. You can help squirrels out by leaving them some food such as hazelnuts, or linseed. If you are lucky-enough to have a squirrel visit your garden, then you could put out a squirrel feeder to keep them full. It is advised to only feed them once a week, or else they may have to start visiting the gym! |  Footsteps to a better a future!If you are planning to use pebbles for your crafty projects, be careful not to take too many, as they do protect the coastline from erosion; even the small pebbles! |
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 HedgehogsTo help our foraging friends, you can put out leaves and logs for little bugs such as beetles and slugs to settle. The hedgehogs will then have a plentiful food supply. Please avoid use of slug pellets, as these can poison hedgehogs; they are only to be used as a last resort! And put out a hedgehog shelter for them to hibernate in during the cold winter. |  Toad HomesWhile you're out foraging why not make a toad home using a terracotta gardening pot? You can do this by making an entrance hole in the terra cotta pot and placing the pot somewhere in your garden; this could be on a soft bed of soil or under a tree - wherever you think is best and then to brighten up the homes you can add paint and personalise them. |
 ButterflyButterflies are becoming extinct, so it is vital to do our bit to support these beautiful creatures. You can help by planting lots of nectar plants, which will also be helping the environment. You could build butterfly homes, as a holiday project - take a look at the link for lots more information on how you can help. |  Toads TurfYou could go even further, and create a little garden for toads to relax in! |
We feel very strongly about foraging, and we hope that during your expeditions you also take time to care for the animals living in the woodland, click on each picture to find out what you can do to get involved. We would also like to encourage you to follow the links provided within the photo selection to learn about caring for these creatures.
"The simple things are also the most extraordinary things"
~ Paulo Coelho
"Everything we need surrounds us; most people have simply forgotten it is there"
 Haldon Forest ParkThis is a lovely site in Exeter. You can explore the forest on their many walking routes, cycle routes, or whilst swinging through the trees in Go Ape's adventure facilities. Enjoy what nature has given us! |  Becky FallsThis is a beautiful Country Park and Nature Reserve, it has many woodland walks, and gorgeous sights to explore. It is Near Bovey Tracey |
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 LadybirdLadybirds are declining in numbers, so need our support! |
Foraging is a great way to get outside and collect some beautiful free materials for your crafty projects. When you are out keep a look out for crisp leaves (bright and dull), twigs, pinecones and anything that takes your fancy. You are limited only by your imagination!
Get Creative!
Get Creative!
Festive Bug House tutorial
The videos on this page are specific to any foraging crafty projects we thought that you would love to try out for yourselves!
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Foraging is a fantastic way to engage children with their local habitat; enjoy a family stroll in your nearest woods, and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer!
Remember to only bring home what you find on the forest floor, as you do not want to disturb the natural environment.
Click on the images to read more about foraging!
You can experiment with any shapes and patterns you wish, we have tried a Christmas tree, and a snail. Be creative, and have fun!
We have arranged recycled tuna tins in the format of a Christmas tree, for a festive design, and in the shape of a snail for the spring product collection. We then foraged for material such as moss, conkers, pine cones and leaves. The greener your foraged material, the more lively your creations will look, and if at all possible we highly recommend that you use bamboo, as it improves the appearance of the hotel, and it is also a brilliant feature for small bugs to nest in.
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This is a beautiful, unique outdoor decoration which may inspire your neighbours and family to also care for the vulnerable insects.
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A bug Hotel is a structure created from all natural materials, which provides the perfect sanctuary for garden bugs. The hotels can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the specific purpose or insect it is catered to. If you are lucky, your hotel may invite ladybirds and butterflies for their hibernation. They can encourage insect pollination, so can be a great feature for gardeners, to attract bees for example.
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