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Autumn is well under way and so, vibrant oranges and reds are emerging in our parks and countryside. Collecting fallen leaves is a great autumn activity. As well as a reason for getting out and about, they make for so many arts and crafts opportunities too!   Here are a few of our favourite: Glitter leaves Using glitter glue, trace along the stems and veins of the leaves. Tie up with string and hang in front of your window for a shimmering autumn decoration. Leaf printing This will work with leaves that have not yet dried out. Using a paint...

When my sister, who is several years younger than me and a keen runner, asked if I wanted to join her running the Royal Parks Half I mentioned it to our daughter Eliza. Having never run a long distance before I was suprised when she jumped at the chance. A snap decision, while I was still pondering, she was signed up  and organised to fundraise for World Child Cancer. I decided I'd be better off in the support team. After a few weeks of hard training (her, not me) it was finally the day. Nervous and tired (an early start),...

The UK’s 250 bee species have distinct winter behaviours. Where solitary bees tend to hide away in the cold months (known as overwintering), other species start their life cycles in winter, ending them when they lay their eggs in autumn.  And the winter habits of social bees, such as bumblebees and honeybees revolve around their hive and queen. Moreover, our changing climate is affecting spring temperatures and therefore, the hibernation patterns of bees. Bumblebee queens who usually hibernate over winter, have been observed to begin nesting in October or November and produce workers that collect nectar from the increasing abundance...

As we have developed the Mappy Collection of PACMATs, we've chosen places that either we have been to and have a connection with, or places we want to go to very soon! Here's our PACMAT picnic bucket list: Bucket list to go to 1. Isle of Skye 2. Isle of Arran 3. Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Firth of Clyde 4. Yorkshire Dales 5. Shropshire Hills 6. Forest of Dean 7. Cranborne Chase   Bucket list we've been to Inner LondonIt's where we live London Parks (still checking off all of the parks)It's where we live and walk the dog. Peak...

Featuring high on our bucket list of places to visit is The Isle of Skye, in the Highlands of Scotland, famous for its spectacular scenery and landscapes. The island is 50 miles long, the largest of the Inner Hebrides. Skye Is rich with wildlife (eagles, seals, whales, dolphins, red deer and otters) and a popular destination for keen walkers and climbers. Old Man of Storr is probably the most famous walk on the Island, with its iconic spikey pinnacle of rock. But there are many other fantastic walks and things to see, see the links below.Top 10 Walks on Skye...