Kate is Features Writer at The Green Parent magazine and author of many books, including her latest (and first work of fiction) - The Wayward Sisters.
February is a time for emerging; we peep out of our winter fug and creak open the door. Time to forage for dandelions, smile at strangers and join the muddiest of festivals. Plus a bucketful of half-term ideas, from Viking battles to joining a lip sync brawl and making a constellation in a cup.
Baby, it's cold outside. But let's get out regardless. Make beautiful ice scenes, discover snowdrops, spend 1000 hours outside, and join in wintry folk traditions. Plus cosy ideas for dark afternoons, hack Veganuary, grow microgreens, and plan your cultural 2026.
Frosty walks, advent kindness, finger knitting and pine-needle biscuits. Simplify your Christmas for a stress-free festive season.
As days grow darker, you might need more impetus to get outside. Try making a journey stick, hunt for chestnuts, watch the sun rise or search for majestic seals. Or stay inside to make a Day of the Dead altar, watch films with a message, or buy nothing!
It's a time for doing; harvesting apples, mushrooming, lighting Samhain fires and preparing for winter. Find ideas to fill your half-term and illuminate darker nights; eco-friendly Halloween costumes, welcoming simmer pots, Diwali crafts, raves for Deaf families and sparkling light festivals.
Is this the most quietly radical mainstream festival in the UK? We head to Wales with two teens in tow to find out. By Kate Hodges. Photographs: Jeff Pitcher.
