Read, count and explore outside this autumn

Read, count and explore with us. From our seasonal scavenger hunt to the new borrow a book in a park bags and Forest School– delight in everything the changing seasons have to offer and spend some time outside this autumn and winter as a family.

Autumn scavenger hunt

Why not take a walk in a beautiful Essex Country Park or green space near you and use our spotter’s guide to see what you can spot. Be careful not to disturb any of the flora and fauna though. Count and share your finds with us @exploressex #autumnessex on Facebook and Instagram.

Download the scavenger hunt to your phone or print at home here: www.explore-essex.com/blog/ autumn-scavenger-hunt

Read and Count Under a Tree

We’re proud to have launched new book bags which are available to borrow in the Essex Country Parks and through the Essex Library Service.

Read and Count with Me Under a Tree bags contain some lovely picture books to share with little ones in the great outdoors to encourage literary, numeracy and a love of nature from an early age. Each bag contains a different mix of books, including ‘Mad About Minibeasts’ by Giles Andreae,

The bags also contain a ground sheet for you and your children to sit on and lots of activity ideas to try, including more seasonal spotters guides. They can be borrowed from the Essex Country Parks and libraries for you to use in your local green space.

Remember you can also enjoy the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler themed trails (licensed by Magic Light Productions) at Thorndon and Weald Country Parks which bring The Gruffalo and Stick Man stories to life and allow imaginations to run free.

Read and Count with Me Under a Tree activity has been funded by the www.exploreread-with-me