By Kate Hodges
08th June 2018
EVENT Agricultured
Open Farm Sunday is a chance to peek behind the gates and into the fields and paddocks of our nation’s food providers. Understanding the way our crops are grown and the route from field to plate is vital for our children’s health and our agricultural future, and this is a really fun way to gain that knowledge. There will be a farm near you to explore, and most will be hosting activities that might include a chance to meet the animals, walks, nature trails, tractor rides, pond dipping or arts and crafts. Free.
EVENT Off The Wall
Open House Families is run by the brains behind the excellent Open House London. The London-wide architecture party consists of over 50 hands-on workshops held in some of the capital’s most interesting and beautiful buildings – some of which have opened their doors especially for the event. Head to the Gherkin to create a layered drawing reflecting the building’s structure and join a speed Lego challenge, explore Canary Wharf through musical storytelling, create extraordinary 3D structures at the V&A Museum, or create a plaster cast at the Royal Academy. Full programme here
MAKE Natural Creations
This month’s issue of The Green Parent magazine features an interview with the incredible artist, Richard Shilling, who creates ‘land art’ – pieces created using materials found in nature. We’ve been having a fun trying it out for ourselves – find Richard’s introduction to starting out here. Some of his pieces are so easy – try a grass knot face – while others, such as leaf towers take a little more time. Richard will be taking his workshops to festivals across the country this summer – find out when he’ll be near you on his Facebook page or sign up to his newsletter for the latest information
RECIPES Budget Bites
It never harms to have more budget eats in your repertoire! We’re a bit obsessed with the quick, easy and cheap recipes of Miguel Barclay – follow his Instagram here. His ideas are basic, but inspiring – try his mushroom risotto, cauliflower steak with cannellini beans and spinach, or roasted carrots with feta dressing. His new book, Super Easy One Pound Meals is available to preorder here. Our copy of Jack Monroe’s new, self-published book, Cooking on a Bootstrap, has also been thumbed this month, and the paperback is available to order here – it’s coming out in August. We love Jack’s costed recipes, and the vegan area of her site in particular is always a joy to browse – try her Spicy Rice and Double Bean soup!
EVENT Arty Party
Last year’s Children’s Art Week saw over sixteen thousand pint-sized Picassos visiting 101 venues, exploring new ways to create paintings, textiles, photos, prints and crafts. Galleries are again preparing to get happily paint-spattered, as they welcome the tide of visitors – for many children, it’s their first visit to a formal art space. Find an event at a cultural hub near you – there are events for educators (including home educators) during the week, and for families at the weekends. June 9–17.
