When did you last climb a tree? Spot a bird of prey? Collect shells on the beach? This latest guide from the Wildllife Trust, 152 Wild things to do is packed with ideas to help you enjoy the outdoors whether it’s at home, in you local area or at one of their own nature reserves.

From planting wildlife-friendly plants to taking a nature trail through ancient forests, from saving an endangered species in your garden to spotting whales and dolphins, this guide is accessible and practical, so anyone can have a go at the activities on offer.

We’ve picked some of our favourites from their autumn selection, and will be bringing you some inspiration over the coming weeks. First off… Explore a wild orchard

“Autumn is a great time to visit an orchard. In preparation for the cold months ahead, bats and birds feast on fallen fruit and insects attracted to the fruit. Fungi, like wax caps, giant puffballs, field mushrooms and bracket fungus, emerge on the orchard floor or tree trunks. A seasonal favourite, mistletoe is our only native white-berried plant. It’s spread by the mistle thrush, and is semi-parasitic, often found on apple trees. It’s great source of food for birds during winter.”

Where to find some wild orchards:

Clattinger Farm, Wiltshire

Broad Oak Dorset

The Knapp and Papermill, Worcestershire

Martin’s Meadows, Suffolk

Tewin Orchard, Hertfordhsire

www.wildlifetrusts.org
photo credit: sumitrarose

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