Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

17th June 2021

Create new, magickal solstice traditions, DIY Fathers Day presents and natural grooming gifts, sleep under the stars at the Big Wild Campout! Plus headline your own festival and winning veggie and vegan picnics!

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

17th June 2021

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

17th June 2021

EVENT AND DO Midsummer Magick Monday is the summer solstice, the longest day, bathed in sunshine and rich in light and magic. How will you mark it? We have some ideas, from building a midsummer altar to making sacred sun water, planning a summer of growth, or gathering with loved ones around a bonfire, while Glennie Kindred’s wise traditional ways to mark the day are an inspiration. Don’t forget some Solstice treats – think herbal biscuits and lavender cake – find recipes here. If you’re lucky, you may make your way to Stonehenge, or watch the event online https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/ We also love checking in on the monument via the live Stonehenge Sky Scape cameras. Alternatively, if you’re feeling really keen and have a big enough back garden, why not build your own Stonehenge?



MAKE Ta Pa! This Sunday is Fathers Day. Let’s hear it for the dads, the dad-figures, and the grandads! Hand-made presents are always a joy to receive, and lots of fun to make. We’re into 70s-style string art at the moment; why not try crafting this ‘dad’ wall decoration? Alternatively, these home-made ‘dad’ trophies are a lot of fun and can be made from whatever scraps you have lying around the house. Or why not make some lush-smelling grooming products; rosemary and mint shaving cream, beard balm or natural coffee and vanilla soap?

EVENT AND DO Putting on the Bricks The festive half-way point of Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild, the Big Wild Weekend is packed with special events to bring people closer to the natural world. Held both online and with a few special real-world events, expect chats with nature writers, a Big Wild Quiz and Kids’ Quiz, plus the Big Wild Campout – set up your tent in the back garden, a den in the living room and get involved with online communal events.

EVENT Make a Change Whether you hum, drum, or strum, toot on a flute or twang a lute, Make Music Day is a chance to bring the noise. Launched in 1982 in France, the celebration has spread worldwide, with musicians young and old, professional or beginner pouring onto the streets to share their music with friends, neighbours and strangers. And it’s all free! Find out more about the UK event here



EVENT Hunger Busters

The current spell of warm weather plus long days can only mean one thing; it’s picnic season! We’re always in the market for inventive, tasty new portable recipes. Head here for muffelata, rye cookies, Maui kale salad with onion dressing and mochi cake, or find vegan picnic tips and recipes including grilled tofu kebabs, nori wraps with dipping sauce and sweet potato brownies here. Alternatively, Jamie Oliver’s ideas are colourful, healthy and easy to make; try salad wedges with buttermilk dressing, pomegranate, lime and ginger water, and a rainbow-layered picnic pie!

WHAT WE’RE READING How do we play? Games ideas for families​ “Playing games is really important, for everyone, however old you are. I think that when we play games we connect to a different part of our brain and our personality. Games are not only fun, but they also teach us so much about how to connect to others, how to deal with emotions and how to problem solve.” Read more here

loading