By Kate Hodges
27th April 2018
EVENT Safari So Goody
Running across the world for four days, the City Nature Challenge is an international race to discover and record as much wildlife as possible. Founded in the USA, this is the first year the event is global, with events in London, and Bristol and Bath. Take part in organised hunts, or download an app to join in independently. There’s an education toolkit, perfect for home ed, here.
EVENT Disco Power
This Saturday young people will cook together using surplus food, and then dance into the night at over 100 locations on five continents, as part of the Slow Food Youth Network (SFYN)’s World Disco Soup Day (find it on Facebook here). It’s a delicious blend of work and fun. Food wastage is an issue that will only become more pressing, so raising awareness, particularly among young people, is crucial. Volunteers collect surplus food from farmers, restaurants, shops and markets, which is used by attendees and professional chefs to create a feast. Everyone joins in: chopping, peeling and cooking. The chow-down is followed, of course, by a disco – live bands, dancing and DJs, perhaps even pedal-powered smoothie makers, face-painting or fancy dress. Events are happening across the UK – find one near you!
MAKE and DO Summer is a Coming In
May Day falls on Tuesday; why not spend the weekend doing some themed crafts? We love a floral crown, and there are ten inspirational ways to make them here. Alternatively, try making ribbon wands or a Wicker Man-like floral antler headband. On Tuesday, be sure to get up before the sun rises to wash your face in the morning dew – you’ll all have flawless complexions for the whole year (find out more here)
EVENT and MAKE Sharp Shot
This Sunday is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, when people across the globe take some time off from the increasingly technological world we live in and participate in the simple act of making a pinhole photograph. You can head to an event near you, or simply build your own camera. Pinhole photography allows you to take a photograph using a light-tight container with a tiny hole in one side and a photo-sensitive surface within it. You can adapt an existing camera, or make the box yourself – there are some excellent links to help you here. Every picture uploaded to the event’s website will become part of a huge online gallery.
EVENT and DO Personal Growth
It’s National Gardening Week – a time to share your love of growing plants. Join in with talks, workshops, demonstrations and planting activities across the UK or just use the celebrations as an excuse to spend some time with your family in your garden. There’s a great list of ideas for things to do together here – we like the idea of making a mini stone wall or planting a night-scented garden to attract moths.
