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Queens Award for Voluntary Service

Games, Activities & Resources

Welcome to our page of fun nature activities to in Fairfield Orchard and elsewhere. There are even things to do inside on wet days!

Remember! The Orchard is a natural place. There are nettles, overhanging branches and tree roots. Take care when moving around. Do not damage any of the plants and animals that you may find. Have fun!

Minibeast Safari

The different habitats in the Orchard are home to a wide variety of small creatures – spiders, butterflies and centipedes to name but a few. Here are some tips on how to find and collect them.

Looking for mini-beasts in the Fairfield Orchard (PDF)

Minibeast Spotter Sheet (PDF)

We have a small number of bug collecting pots, sweep nets and identification charts which the Fairfield community are welcome to borrow. If you would like to do so, please phone Tony Finn on 01524 36426.

Hunts and trails

Set your own trail and go on a summer scavenger hunt around the Orchard. See how many summer treasures you can find.

Summer Scavenger Hunt (PDF)

Summer Trails in the Fairfield Orchard (PDF)

Orienteering

Use up some of that boundless energy with this activity! Try your hand at some fun map reading with our simple orchard map We have provided a useful recording sheet for you to use when doing this activity.

Fairfield Orchard Map (PDF)

Around the Orchard are ten location points indicated by red triangles on the map. At each point is a number and small picture.

Here are a few suggestions for you. It will need some advance preparation before you begin.

  1. Provide each ‘competitor’ with the picture grid from the recording sheet. They must then visit each location point and write the number that is next to the picture on their sheet.
  2. On the map mark each red triangle with a letter. Then decide in which order you would like the ‘competitors’ to visit the points e.g B, F, G, A etc. the ‘competitors’ must visit the points in this order collecting the number/animal name from each point. Which animal does not live in the Orchard?
    Using more energy! Try this version if you really want to tire them out. Cut out the letters from the recording sheet. Give them one letter at a time and ask them to find its location and tell you what number/ picture is at that point.
  3. A Leaf Hunt. Use the leaf hunt sheet to identify the nearest tree to the number on the location point.

Orienteering Recording Sheet (PDF)

Before you start, check that the ‘competitors’ are familiar with the map. Here are a few helpful tips:

  1. Holding the map, stand on the path facing the largest tree in the orchard. Can they show you where they are standing?
  2. Which direction is North?
  3. What is immediately to the left, that is not marked on the map?
  4. At either end of the Orchard is a noticeboard. Can they show you these on the map?

If you are happy, then off you go on your hunt!

Things to do at home