Sometimes going out for a walk is bit too aimless for older children, so simple, nature-friendly tasks are what’s needed – better still if there’s a competitive edge.
- Adults can take part in Biodiversity Ireland's butterfly-monitoring scheme, which is encouraging us all to record the butterflies we see. This is a bit too complex for children, so it is also organising the engagingly named Biodiversity Bingo. Every fortnight until September you have to spot the six species photographed on biodiversity ireland.ie, then submit your findings online for a chance to win a €20 book token.
- The species in the first competition, which ends on Monday, include a bulbous buttercup, a blackbird (left) and a blue tit. There are tips and hints on how to look for the six species – you can make sure you spot the right kind of buttercup, for example, by looking for particular petals.
- If you want to head out to take part, but feel like finding a new walk to do it on – looped walks, where you end near the spot you began at, are usually best for family outings – look at coillteoutdoors.ie.