By Kate Hodges
21st April 2017
LEARN and DO Little Fluffy Clouds
We’ve spotted some truly spectacular skies on our spring walks, which has spurred us to find out some more about clouds. The Met Office’s guide is excellent for finding out official names of clouds, while the National Geographic’s guide to how and why clouds form, and a bit more about the science behind the fluff is excellent. Meanwhile, Gavin Pretor-Pinney has a more creative take on sky-watching – take in his TED talk to find out how the idle pursuit of lying on your back and watching the weather float over you, spotting funny shapes and making up tall tales is good for the soul, then check out the accompanying spectacular photos. If you’re really keen, why not join his Cloud Appreciation Society?
EVENTS, LEARN, MAKE Here Be Dragons
St George’s Day celebrations can err on the jingoistic, but we like to take the opportunity to take part and discover English folk traditions and listen to stories about knights and dragons. London’s Museum of Childhood holds an excellent, free celebration; this Sunday there will be folk music and dancing, brass bands and arts and crafts taking place. English Heritage properties across the country will be celebrating in medieval style with pageants and parties featuring music, sword skill masterclasses and archery. If you’re celebrating at home, why not try making this truly spectacular dragon mask out of a big milk bottle and reenact the slaying of the beast?!
COOK Leaf Love
It’s watercress season; the green leaves have a delicious peppery tang, and are packed with vitamins. You can forage for it, but be sure to research how to avoid liver fluke. Alternatively, grow your own – the Guardian’s Alys Fowler has written a great guide. Once you have your cress, use it to make dishes such as Sophie Grigson’s watercress and onion bhajee with fresh watercress coconut chutney and the astonishing-sounding watercress and wasabi fudge from Mummy Makes or, our favourite, Chinese-style wilted leaves with garlic. Mmmm!
PLACES Mything You
Wales’ box-fresh-and-beautiful Land Of Legends website is a joyous way to plan days out and holidays. Use the country’s myths, legends and literary heritage to find spots that are not only beautiful, but also have a fascinating back-story. Choose from sacred and spiritual spots, places steeped in folklore, areas famous for their ghosts, and sites that reverberate with rich history. So inspiring!
EVENT Cloth Rears
It’s Real Nappy Week – a chance to spread the word about cloth nappies, win gorgeous supplies, or to try out your local nappy library. Using cloth nappies can save families between £100 and £1000, makes a 40% carbon saving, and prevents huge amounts of landfill. Why not give washables a try? We’ve got an excellent Starter’s Guide to Real Nappies here. Don’t forget to vote for your favourites in the Go Real Awards!
