PÄDAGOGIK

NATURE EDUCATION

SCHEDULE

January

- Clear, frosty nights often allow for a good view of the starry sky

- Frost covers the trees and meadows in the morning, often with beautiful ice formations on the branches

- First signs of light – the days slowly start to get longer

- Animal tracks visible in the snow as many animals are out looking for food

Activities:

- Walks under a full moon – the clear air and snow reflect the light, creating a magical atmosphere

- Stargazing – the winter months offer the best conditions for clear starry skies

- Building ice and snow sculptures – developing creativity with frozen water and snow

- Wildlife watching in the snow – reading tracks in the snow and feeding birds in winter

February

- Thick layers of ice on Nuddles and small lakes

- Snowdrops and winter aconites, the first early bloomers, make their way through the snow

- Particularly cold but clear days; the ground begins to warm up in mild weather

Activities:

- Early flowering walk – Spot the first snowdrops and winter aconites

- Frost texture photography – Beautiful patterns in ice and snow

- Winter fires – Enjoy a small campfire or fire bowl in the cold, crisp air

- Set up bird feeders – Great for helping the birds and observing the animals at the same time

March

- Spring begins; first buds on trees and shrubs are breaking open

- Many migratory birds are returning

- Crocuses, daffodils and other early bloomers are blooming

- Temperatures are rising, but there are still cold nights

Activities:

- Observe tree buds – buds and leaves slowly opening are a fascinating sign of spring

- Bird watching – the return of migratory birds, such as cranes and geese, is an impressive natural spectacle

- Start gardening – make initial preparations for the vegetable garden

- Plant spring flowers – plant crocuses, daffodils or tulips

April

- Blossoming of fruit trees such as cherry, apple and pear trees

- Warm days, but changeable weather – sometimes still frosty nights

- Bees and other insects become active and start pollinating

- Streams and rivers carry more water due to the melting of snow in the mountains

Activities:

- Flower walks – fruit trees and other spring bloomers are in full bloom Splendor

- Insect watching – Bees, butterflies and other insects return and revive nature

- Planting an herb garden – Now is the perfect time to plant herbs for summer

- Spring walks – Explore and enjoy nature’s growing season

May

- The peak of flowering season, especially for rhododendrons and lilacs

- Long days with mild temperatures; ideal weather for outdoor activities

- Birds begin breeding and nesting

- Frog and toad migrations to ponds and lakes

Activities:

- Picnic in nature – May offers perfect conditions for a relaxed picnic

- Admire lilac blossom – A stroll through blooming lilac gardens is an olfactory experience

- Build nest boxes – Helpful for the breeding birds and a great way to support wildlife

- Watch frog migrations – See frogs and toads on wetlands on their way to their spawning grounds

June

- The days are at their longest, with June 21st as the longest day of the year

- Wildflowers and poppy fields are in full bloom

- The first cutting of hay meadows begins

- Many young animals, especially birds and mammals, can now be seen

Activities:

- Midsummer celebrations – A midsummer celebration or bonfire to mark the longest day of the year

- Collect wildflowers – Harvest and press flowers such as poppies and cornflowers for nature art

- Animal watching – Young wild animals and birds are particularly active and are now out and about in large numbers

- Hiking at sunrise – Make the most of the longest day of the year early in the morning

July

- Meadows and fields are lush green, with flowering herbs and grasses

- Butterflies and bees can now be seen everywhere

- Hot days, often with thunderstorms in the evening

- The grain harvest begins

Activities:

- Butterfly watching – Watch butterflies in flowering meadows

- Gathering wild herbs – Harvesting wild herbs such as chamomile or nettle

- Swimming trips – On hot days, visit lakes or rivers for a swim

- Watching shooting stars – Meteor showers are often visible in July

August

- The fields are full of harvest, with golden fields of grain and ripening fruit

- Cobwebs begin to glitter in the morning sun

- The first premonition of autumn can be felt in the air

- There are more and more ripe wild fruits and berries

Activities:

- Berries Collect – Blackberries, raspberries and elderberries ripen and can be collected

- Experience the grain harvest – Watch the harvest being brought in in the fields

- Summer night festivals – Enjoy the warm summer evening with friends and family

- Admire spider webs – Watch the first spider webs in the dew early in the morning

 September

- The first leaves start changing color, especially on maples and birches

- Morning mist often covers meadows and rivers

- Many fruits like apples, pears, and plums are ripe

- Migratory birds begin their journey south

Activities:

- Harvesting fruit – Pick apples, pears, and plums straight from the tree

- Early morning forest walks – Enjoy the mystical atmosphere in the mist

- Mushroom foraging – High season for edible mushrooms

- Flying kites – The autumn winds are perfect for this

October

- Forests glow in golden, red, and orange shades

- Temperatures drop noticeably, with the first night frosts possible

- Chestnuts and acorns fall to the ground

- Wild animals like squirrels start storing food for the winter

Activities:

- Autumn hikes – Enjoy the colorful foliage and the crunching leaves

- Crafting with chestnuts – Get creative with natural materials

- Pumpkin carving – Preparing for Halloween and harvest season

- Campfires with hot drinks – Cozy up on chilly evenings

November

-  Most trees lose their last leaves

- Fog and rain dominate the weather, with the first snowflakes possible

- Wildlife prepares for winter

- Days become noticeably shorter, often gloomy and misty

Activities:

- Lantern walks – Strolling through the darkness with homemade lanterns

- Wildlife watching – Deer, foxes, and birds are active searching for food

- Winter preparations – Setting up bird feeders

- Cozy reading hours – Spend dark evenings with books and tea

December

- The first proper snowfall often transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland

- The days are shortest, but lights and decorations brighten up the darkness

- Many animals hibernate or become less active

- Christmas brings a festive atmosphere to towns and villages

Activities:

- Winter walks – Enjoy the peacefulness and crisp winter air

- Baking cookies – Spend cozy hours in a warm kitchen

- Admiring stars and Christmas lights – Especially in towns and villages

- Reflecting on the year and planning for the next – A time for new ideas and resolutions