Workshops
Step into a wild place where learning comes to life and curiosity runs free.
Our hands-on workshops invite children to explore science, history and nature in one of Britain’s most iconic restored gardens.
Designed for schools and home educating families with children aged 5–14 (KS1 to KS3), these sessions blend curiosity, creativity and curriculum links to give every learner an unforgettable Heligan experience. From ancient survival skills to soil science, from wild art to conservation, each workshop reveals the magical connections between people, plants and the planet.
Why choose Heligan workshops?
- Curriculum-aligned: Linked to UK National Curriculum in science, history, geography, art and PSHE.
- Hands-on & experiential: Children learn through doing, exploring and creating in a living classroom of gardens, woodland and wildlife.
- Inclusive & adaptable: Suitable for a range of ages, abilities and group types — whether a class, a small group, or a family.
- Nurturing wellbeing: Encourages mindfulness, resilience and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Whether your learners are curious about wildlife, inspired by poetry, or keen to step into the shoes of Heligan’s hidden gardeners, our workshops spark imagination and foster a lifelong love of learning outdoors.
Please note: we will make every effort to deliver workshops as planned, regardless of the weather. However, in the event of severe conditions, we reserve the right to adapt activities as needed to maintain health and safety standards while ensuring sessions remain engaging and enjoyable.
Beavers & Rivers
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Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Nature Recovery
Step into Heligan’s Lost Valley to explore the web of life. Through bug hotels, food web puzzles and wildlife observation, students discover how plants, animals and people depend on each other.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this session highlights why biodiversity matters for food, water, medicine and climate resilience. A hopeful, hands-on look at rebuilding nature. -
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Beavers – Nature’s Engineers
Meet the beaver, nature’s waterway architect! Students build model dams, map habitats and discover how these animals create wetlands that prevent floods and boost biodiversity.
Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop explores adaptations, ecosystem health and climate resilience, showing how one small creature can reshape a whole landscape.
Survival Skills
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Energy Basics – From Fire to Alternative Power
From striking sparks to capturing sunlight, discover how humans have harnessed energy through time.
Students try safe fire-making demonstrations, experiment with wind turbines, solar panels and water turbines to create their own energy. Linking science, history and geography, this workshop for KS1–KS3 helps children understand energy transfer, sustainability and resource use. A hands-on journey that sparks curiosity about power past, present and future. -
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Life in the Jungle – Survival in a Super Ecosystem
Step into Heligan’s Jungle and experience rainforest life. Students explore extraordinary plant adaptations, animal survival skills and indigenous knowledge through games, nature hunts and shelter-building challenges. Linking science, geography and history for KS1–KS3, this session highlights the rainforest as a blueprint for resilient living and global climate protection
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Survival Skills – Den Building, Fire Striking & Bushcraft Basics
Get ready for adventure! Students work in teams to build dens, learn safe fire-lighting with flint and steel and practise knots and navigation.
This outdoor workshop for ages 5–14 teaches survival skills with an emphasis on teamwork, safety and respect for nature. A fun, confidence-boosting introduction to bushcraft.
Foraging & Cooking
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Foraging & Food from the Wild
Take a guided walk through Heligan’s woodlands and hedgerows to explore nature’s pantry.
Students learn to identify edible plants, understand safe foraging and appreciate biodiversity through games, stories and even tasting sessions. They discover how early humans gathered food and why ethical harvesting matters today. Ideal for KS1–KS3, this session connects science, geography and PSHE, sparking wonder about the wild foods that still grow all around us. -
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Brewing, Fermentation & Food Preservation
From sauerkraut to salted fish, learn how people preserved food before fridges! Students explore fermentation, drying and salting, discovering how microbes transform flavour and nutrition.
Activities include making simple ferments and tasting preserved foods. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop blends history, biology and practical food science, showing how age-old skills still shape our diets today.
Animals, Food & Farming
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Rare Breeds & Farming for the Future
Meet Heligan’s heritage animals and discover why rare breeds matter. Students explore biodiversity, genetics and sustainable farming through hands-on encounters, games and farm-to-fork journeys.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this interactive workshop highlights how protecting rare breeds helps secure food futures. A perfect mix of history, science and care for living creatures. -
![]()
Brewing, Fermentation & Food Preservation
From sauerkraut to salted fish, learn how people preserved food before fridges! Students explore fermentation, drying and salting, discovering how microbes transform flavour and nutrition.
Activities include making simple ferments and tasting preserved foods. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop blends history, biology and practical food science, showing how age-old skills still shape our diets today. -
![]()
Clothing & Textiles – From Fibre to Fabric
How do you make clothes without shops? In this woodland-based workshop, students card wool, spin yarn, weave fabric and experiment with natural dyes from plants and vegetables.
Linking science, history and design, this KS1–KS3 session reveals how textiles provide warmth, protection and identity. A creative, hands-on journey from fibre to fabric.
Nature & Science
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Natural Medicines & Healing Herbs
Step into Heligan’s herb garden and uncover the healing power of plants! Students explore traditional medicinal herbs, discovering their historical uses and plant biology through sensory games, storytelling and hands-on making.
From lavender bags to soothing salves, children create simple remedies while learning how people past and present turn to nature for wellbeing. Perfect for inspiring curiosity about natural health, science and sustainability across KS1–KS3 -
![]()
From Seed to Harvest Workshop
Discover how early societies began growing food in Heligan’s productive gardens. Children explore seed varieties, soil types and seasonal cycles before trying their hand at planting techniques essential for survival.
With seed sorting, garden planning and sowing rotations, students get practical, muddy-fingered experience of food production. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this lively session links science, geography and design while encouraging respect for farming’s role in shaping civilisation. -
![]()
Energy Basics – From Fire to Alternative Power
From striking sparks to capturing sunlight, discover how humans have harnessed energy through time.
Students try safe fire-making demonstrations, experiment with wind turbines, solar panels and water turbines to create their own energy. Linking science, history and geography, this workshop for KS1–KS3 helps children understand energy transfer, sustainability and resource use. A hands-on journey that sparks curiosity about power past, present and future. -
![]()
Science by Observation - Relearning the Scientific Method
Step into the shoes of early scientists! In Heligan’s gardens and wild spaces, students carry out real investigations: counting insects, examining leaves and testing soil and light. They plan, observe, record and interpret results, bringing the scientific method to life.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session blends science, maths and geography while encouraging curiosity, questioning and critical thinking. -
![]()
Brewing Fermentation, & Food Preservation
From sauerkraut to salted fish, learn how people preserved food before fridges! Students explore fermentation, drying and salting, discovering how microbes transform flavour and nutrition.
Activities include making simple ferments and tasting preserved foods. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop blends history biology, and practical food science, showing how age-old skills still shape our diets today. -
![]()
Clothing & Textiles – From Fibre to Fabric
How do you make clothes without shops? In this woodland-based workshop, students card wool, spin yarn, weave fabric and experiment with natural dyes from plants and vegetables.
Linking science, history, and design, this KS1–KS3 session reveals how textiles provide warmth, protection, and identity. A creative, hands-on journey from fibre to fabric. -
![]()
Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Nature Recovery
Step into Heligan’s Lost Valley to explore the web of life. Through bug hotels, food web puzzles and wildlife observation, students discover how plants, animals and people depend on each other.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this session highlights why biodiversity matters for food, water, medicine and climate resilience. A hopeful, hands-on look at rebuilding nature. -
![]()
Soil Science – The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Dig deeper into the secrets of soil! Using our high quality digital microscopes, students explore soil layers, test textures and discover the tiny creatures and microbes living below.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this workshop links science, geography and sustainability, helping children see why healthy soil is the foundation of life itself. -
![]()
Life in the Jungle – Survival in a Super Ecosystem
Step into Heligan’s Jungle and experience rainforest life. Students explore extraordinary plant adaptations, animal survival skills and indigenous knowledge through games, nature hunts and shelter-building challenges.
Linking science, geography and history for KS1–KS3, this session highlights the rainforest as a blueprint for resilient living and global climate protection -
![]()
Bug Hunting & Pond Dipping – Mini Beasts, Mighty Ecosystems
Grab a net and magnifier! In this outdoor session, students explore Heligan’s ponds and woodlands in search of fascinating mini beasts. They identify invertebrates, build food chains and learn how tiny creatures keep ecosystems thriving.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this fun, muddy workshop inspires respect for the smallest but mightiest engineers of nature. -
![]()
Microclimates – Nature’s Secret Weather
Why is one corner of the garden cooler than another? Students investigate temperature, humidity and sunlight across Heligan’s landscapes, mapping microclimates and matching them to plant adaptations.
Linking science and geography, this KS1–KS3 workshop shows how tiny shifts in climate matter for gardeners, wildlife and ecosystems. -
![]()
Young Conservationists – Protecting Our Natural World
Become a guardian of Heligan’s habitats. Students take part in conservation activities such as habitat restoration, wildlife surveys and environmental detective work. They finish with a personal pledge to protect nature.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session builds respect, responsibility and real-world conservation skills. -
![]()
Pollination Power – The Buzz About Bees & Beyond
Join the pollinator safari. Students explore the vital role of bees, butterflies and birds through flower games and garden design activities.
They discover how pollination sustains ecosystems and food production, while also learning about threats to pollinators and how to help. Suitable for ages 5–14, this session inspires stewardship and simple actions to support pollinators. -
![]()
Britain’s Lost Wildlife
What happens when species disappear—and how can we bring them back? With Heligan’s wildlife team, students learn about extinction, ecological restoration and reintroductions of beavers, water voles, glow worms and red squirrels.
Tailored for KS1–KS3, this workshop connects past and future, inspiring hope and responsibility for Britain’s wild return. -
![]()
Wildflowers & Nature's Patchwork
Step into Heligan’s wildflower-rich landscapes and explore the dazzling diversity of native plants that stitch together our countryside. In this hands-on workshop, students become plant detectives, pollinator protectors and nature-inspired artists as they investigate why wildflowers matter — not just for bees and butterflies, but for entire ecosystems and our future too.
Through guided meadow walks, interactive games and creative activities, children learn how wildflowers support biodiversity, food chains and climate resilience. They’ll uncover how humans and nature are connected by these small but mighty plants — and leave inspired to protect the patchwork of life all around them.
Art, Poetry and Creativity
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Wild Art & Wellbeing – Creating Calm in Nature
Connect with nature through art and mindfulness. Using leaves, twigs and stones, students create ephemeral land art inspired by artists like Andy Goldsworthy.
With grounding activities and reflective sharing, KS1–KS3 learners explore how time outdoors supports emotional wellbeing. A calming, creative celebration of art and nature. -
![]()
Poetry in Place – Exploring the Simon Armitage Trail
Follow the Simon Armitage Poetry Trail and discover words carved into Heligan’s landscape. Students read, reflect and write their own poems inspired by nature, memory and place.
Suitable for KS1–KS3, this creative session blends literature and environment, encouraging empathy, imagination and a love of language. -
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Nature Senses: Exploring Heligan with Heart, Hands and Imagination – A sensory discovery workshop designed for SEND learners.
This calming, sensory-rich workshop invites SEND learners to explore Heligan’s gardens through touch, sound, smell and gentle movement. Designed to support emotional wellbeing, communication and connection, students follow a guided nature trail, create art with natural materials and enjoy peaceful reflection time outdoors.
With flexible pacing and inclusive activities tailored to a wide range of needs, this session offers a safe, joyful space for curiosity and calm. From rustling leaves to birdsong and soft petals, every moment is an opportunity to feel grounded and inspired by the natural world.
-
![]()
Sculpting Stories: Art, Nature & the Mystery of Heligan
Step into the enchanted woodland of Heligan and discover the stories hidden in moss, clay and stone. In this creative, hands-on workshop, students explore Heligan’s iconic sculptures — like the Mud Maid and Giant’s Head — and use natural materials to make artworks of their own. Through sketching, sculpting and storytelling, children uncover how art and nature can blend into one.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session inspires imagination, self-expression and a deep connection to the land — where every root and rock might hold a secret waiting to be shaped.
Heligan’s History
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The Lost Gardeners – Stories of Heligan’s Hidden Heroes
Step back in time to meet the gardeners of Heligan before WWI. Through storytelling, guided walks and creative writing, students uncover the lives and legacy of those who shaped the gardens.
KS1–KS3 learners write letters or poems from the gardeners’ perspectives, building empathy and historical understanding. A moving journey into Heligan’s past.
Incredible Plants
-
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Life in the Jungle – Survival in a Super Ecosystem
Step into Heligan’s Jungle and experience rainforest life. Students explore extraordinary plant adaptations, animal survival skills and indigenous knowledge through games, nature hunts and shelter-building challenges.
Linking science, geography and history for KS1–KS3, this session highlights the rainforest as a blueprint for resilient living and global climate protection -
![]()
Foraging & Food from the Wild
Take a guided walk through Heligan’s woodlands and hedgerows to explore nature’s pantry.
Students learn to identify edible plants, understand safe foraging and appreciate biodiversity through games, stories and even tasting sessions. They discover how early humans gathered food and why ethical harvesting matters today. Ideal for KS1–KS3, this session connects science, geography and PSHE, sparking wonder about the wild foods that still grow all around us. -
![]()
Natural Medicines & Healing Herbs
Step into Heligan’s herb garden and uncover the healing power of plants! Students explore traditional medicinal herbs, discovering their historical uses and plant biology through sensory games, storytelling and hands-on making.
From lavender bags to soothing salves, children create simple remedies while learning how people past and present turn to nature for wellbeing. Perfect for inspiring curiosity about natural health, science and sustainability across KS1–KS3 -
![]()
From Seed to Harvest
Discover how early societies began growing food in Heligan’s productive gardens. Children explore seed varieties, soil types and seasonal cycles before trying their hand at planting techniques essential for survival.
With seed sorting, garden planning and sowing rotations, students get practical, muddy-fingered experience of food production. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this lively session links science, geography and design while encouraging respect for farming’s role in shaping civilisation. -
![]()
Soil Science – The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Dig deeper into the secrets of soil! Using our high quality digital microscopes, students explore soil layers, test textures and discover the tiny creatures and microbes living below.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this workshop links science, geography and sustainability, helping children see why healthy soil is the foundation of life itself.
-
![]()
Beavers – Nature’s Engineers
Meet the beaver, nature’s waterway architect! Students build model dams, map habitats and discover how these animals create wetlands that prevent floods and boost biodiversity.
Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop explores adaptations, ecosystem health and climate resilience, showing how one small creature can reshape a whole landscape. -
![]()
Brewing, Fermentation and Food Preservation
From sauerkraut to salted fish, learn how people preserved food before fridges! Students explore fermentation, drying and salting, discovering how microbes transform flavour and nutrition.
Activities include making simple ferments and tasting preserved foods. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this workshop blends history, biology and practical food science, showing how age-old skills still shape our diets today. -
![]()
Britain’s Lost Wildlife
What happens when species disappear—and how can we bring them back? With Heligan’s wildlife team, students learn about extinction, ecological restoration and reintroductions of beavers, water voles, glow worms and red squirrels.
Tailored for KS1–KS3, this workshop connects past and future, inspiring hope and responsibility for Britain’s wild return. -
![]()
Bug Hunting & Pond Dipping – Mini Beasts, Mighty Ecosystems
Grab a net and magnifier! In this outdoor session, students explore Heligan’s ponds and woodlands in search of fascinating mini beasts. They identify invertebrates, build food chains and learn how tiny creatures keep ecosystems thriving.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this fun, muddy workshop inspires respect for the smallest but mightiest engineers of nature. -
![]()
Clothing & Textiles – From Fibre to Fabric
How do you make clothes without shops? In this woodland-based workshop, students card wool, spin yarn, weave fabric and experiment with natural dyes from plants and vegetables.
Linking science, history and design, this KS1–KS3 session reveals how textiles provide warmth, protection and identity. A creative, hands-on journey from fibre to fabric. -
![]()
Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Nature Recovery
Step into Heligan’s Lost Valley to explore the web of life. Through bug hotels, food web puzzles and wildlife observation, students discover how plants, animals and people depend on each other.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this session highlights why biodiversity matters for food, water, medicine and climate resilience. A hopeful, hands-on look at rebuilding nature. -
![]()
Energy Basics – From Fire to Alternative Power
From striking sparks to capturing sunlight, discover how humans have harnessed energy through time.
Students try safe fire-making demonstrations, experiment with wind turbines, solar panels and water turbines to create their own energy. Linking science, history and geography, this workshop for KS1–KS3 helps children understand energy transfer, sustainability and resource use. A hands-on journey that sparks curiosity about power past, present and future! -
![]()
Foraging & Food from the Wild
Take a guided walk through Heligan’s woodlands and hedgerows to explore nature’s pantry.
Students learn to identify edible plants, understand safe foraging and appreciate biodiversity through games, stories and even tasting sessions. They discover how early humans gathered food and why ethical harvesting matters today. Ideal for KS1–KS3, this session connects science, geography and PSHE, sparking wonder about the wild foods that still grow all around us. -
![]()
From Seed to Harvest Workshop
Discover how early societies began growing food in Heligan’s productive gardens. Children explore seed varieties, soil types and seasonal cycles before trying their hand at planting techniques essential for survival.
With seed sorting, garden planning and sowing rotations, students get practical, muddy-fingered experience of food production. Suitable for KS1–KS3, this lively session links science, geography and design while encouraging respect for farming’s role in shaping civilisation. -
![]()
Life in the Jungle – Survival in a Super Ecosystem
Step into Heligan’s Jungle and experience rainforest life. Students explore extraordinary plant adaptations, animal survival skills and indigenous knowledge through games, nature hunts and shelter-building challenges. Linking science, geography and history for KS1–KS3, this session highlights the rainforest as a blueprint for resilient living and global climate protection
-
![]()
Microclimates – Nature’s Secret Weather
Why is one corner of the garden cooler than another? Students investigate temperature, humidity and sunlight across Heligan’s landscapes, mapping microclimates and matching them to plant adaptations.
Linking science and geography, this KS1–KS3 workshop shows how tiny shifts in climate matter for gardeners, wildlife and ecosystems. -
![]()
Nature Senses: Exploring Heligan with Heart, Hands and Imagination – A sensory discovery workshop designed for SEND learners.
This calming, sensory-rich workshop invites SEND learners to explore Heligan’s gardens through touch, sound, smell and gentle movement. Designed to support emotional wellbeing, communication and connection, students follow a guided nature trail, create art with natural materials and enjoy peaceful reflection time outdoors.
With flexible pacing and inclusive activities tailored to a wide range of needs, this session offers a safe, joyful space for curiosity and calm. From rustling leaves to birdsong and soft petals, every moment is an opportunity to feel grounded and inspired by the natural world.
-
![]()
Natural Medicines & Healing Herbs
Step into Heligan’s herb garden and uncover the healing power of plants! Students explore traditional medicinal herbs, discovering their historical uses and plant biology through sensory games, storytelling and hands-on making.
From lavender bags to soothing salves, children create simple remedies while learning how people past and present turn to nature for wellbeing. Perfect for inspiring curiosity about natural health, science and sustainability across KS1–KS3 -
![]()
Poetry in Place – Exploring the Simon Armitage Trail
Follow the Simon Armitage Poetry Trail and discover words carved into Heligan’s landscape. Students read, reflect and write their own poems inspired by nature, memory and place.
Suitable for KS1–KS3, this creative session blends literature and environment, encouraging empathy, imagination and a love of language. -
![]()
Pollination Power – The Buzz About Bees & Beyond
Join the pollinator safari! Students explore the vital role of bees, butterflies and birds through flower games and garden design activities.
They discover how pollination sustains ecosystems and food production, while also learning about threats to pollinators and how to help. Suitable for ages 5–14, this session inspires stewardship and simple actions to support pollinators. -
![]()
Rare Breeds & Farming for the Future
Meet Heligan’s heritage animals and discover why rare breeds matter. Students explore biodiversity, genetics and sustainable farming through hands-on encounters, games and farm-to-fork journeys.
Designed for KS1–KS3, this interactive workshop highlights how protecting rare breeds helps secure food futures. A perfect mix of history, science and care for living creatures. -
![]()
Science by Observation - Relearning the Scientific Method
Step into the shoes of early scientists! In Heligan’s gardens and wild spaces, students carry out real investigations: counting insects, examining leaves and testing soil and light. They plan, observe, record and interpret results, bringing the scientific method to life.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session blends science, maths and geography while encouraging curiosity, questioning and critical thinking. -
![]()
Sculpting Stories: Art, Nature & the Mystery of Heligan
Step into the enchanted woodland of Heligan and discover the stories hidden in moss, clay and stone. In this creative, hands-on workshop, students explore Heligan’s iconic sculptures — like the Mud Maid and Giant’s Head — and use natural materials to make artworks of their own. Through sketching, sculpting and storytelling, children uncover how art and nature can blend into one.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session inspires imagination, self-expression and a deep connection to the land — where every root and rock might hold a secret waiting to be shaped.
-
![]()
Soil Science – The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Dig deeper into the secrets of soil. Using our high quality digital microscopes, students explore soil layers, test textures and discover the tiny creatures and microbes living below.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this workshop links science, geography and sustainability, helping children see why healthy soil is the foundation of life itself. -
![]()
Survival Skills – Den Building, Fire Striking & Bushcraft Basics
Get ready for adventure. Students work in teams to build dens, learn safe fire-lighting with flint and steel and practise knots and navigation.
This outdoor workshop for ages 5–14 teaches survival skills with an emphasis on teamwork, safety and respect for nature. A fun, confidence-boosting introduction to bushcraft. -
![]()
The Lost Gardeners – Stories of Heligan’s Hidden Heroes
Step back in time to meet the gardeners of Heligan before WWI. Through storytelling, guided walks and creative writing, students uncover the lives and legacy of those who shaped the gardens.
KS1–KS3 learners write letters or poems from the gardeners’ perspectives, building empathy and historical understanding. A moving journey into Heligan’s past. -
![]()
Wild Art & Wellbeing – Creating Calm in Nature
Connect with nature through art and mindfulness. Using leaves, twigs and stones, students create ephemeral land art inspired by artists like Andy Goldsworthy.
With grounding activities and reflective sharing, KS1–KS3 learners explore how time outdoors supports emotional wellbeing. A calming, creative celebration of art and nature. -
![]()
Young Conservationists – Protecting Our Natural World
Become a guardian of Heligan’s habitats! Students take part in conservation activities such as habitat restoration, wildlife surveys and environmental detective work. They finish with a personal pledge to protect nature.
Perfect for KS1–KS3, this session builds respect, responsibility and real-world conservation skills. -
![]()
Wildflowers and Nature's Patchwork
Step into Heligan’s wildflower-rich landscapes and explore the dazzling diversity of native plants that stitch together our countryside. In this hands-on workshop, students become plant detectives, pollinator protectors and nature-inspired artists as they investigate why wildflowers matter — not just for bees and butterflies, but for entire ecosystems and our future too.
Through guided meadow walks, interactive games and creative activities, children learn how wildflowers support biodiversity, food chains and climate resilience. They’ll uncover how humans and nature are connected by these small but mighty plants — and leave inspired to protect the patchwork of life all around them.
