About a month ago, we had the pleasure of attending an event organised by the National Trust to promote the 50 Things To Do Before You're 11&¾ and the Project Wild Thing campaign. We were already well on our way to reclaiming a childhood spent playing outdoors through Coombe Mill's weekly linky of Country Kids, but the videos that we were shown by David Bond (marketing director for Nature) really helped cement the importance of outdoor play for children. And for adults as well. Reconnecting with the natural world soothes the soul and helps emotional wellbeing.
We were very fortunate to have received a media pass for the National Trust following the blogging event, and it means that we can explore many of the National Trust sites around Britain when we're out and about. On our way back from Butlin's (in Bognor Regis) last weekend, we called into Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey. It's not a part of the country that we'd normally explore, being so far from Cardiff, however we relished the opportunity to stretch our legs, break up the journey and do some nature exploring!
It was a beautifully sunny, Good Friday afternoon when we arrived (if not a little nippy) and the arboretum held some wonderful signs of Spring for us with the daffodils in full bloom and pussy willows on the trees, not to mention the many play opportunities.
What three year old can resist climbing a tree with a trunk as wide as a living room? Or sliding down a pile of wood shavings? Or kicking leaves all over their daddy?
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We've received a media pass for the National Trust for 2013 which grants us free access to National Trust sites. We haven't been asked to blog about any of our trips, I choose to do so without bias.
what a great opportunity with the national trust. i am determined to complete that list with my wee man though not too sure if we really have to go abseiling 🙂 he looks like he is having so much fun.
What another fantastic location for family time. Love the main photo of the Boy, it's great to see the start of Spring!
What wonderful photos! Winkworth Aboretum was a place that my parents regularly took us as children, I haven't been with mine but would love to! I may well do so now having seen your pics:) Lucky you being give a pass – how lovely!
This looks a terrofic place to visit. Lots to investigate and lovely to see signs of Spring too.
Lovely photos and looks like you had a lovely time in the cold. Snowsuits are brilliant aren't they 🙂
Lovely photos. The Boy looks like he is having a great time and looks so cosy in his all in one suit.
i love the name – Wink-worth (I know its not written like that i was trying to emphasise the wink part 😉 )
what a great place for some toddler traipsing and exploring! i really like the photos of him walking along the log stumps and the one of him smiling in the final photo collage. x
What a fantastic time you had exploring a wonderful location. They boy looked like he was in his element climbing trees and stepping across the tree stumps. Such a lovely way to break up the journey, thanks for linking to Country Kids.
That's some very adventurous exploration there. Love the photos of him walking down the little steep hill!
fab pictures, i am loving his suit!! xx
such great photos I love the promotion that the national trust is doing with the 50 things to do I need to recap and check Jake has completed them as hes nearing 11 & 3/4 lol
Wow I love all the photos and it looks like you had an amazing time there and this place looks quite magical – I love the wood carving bench and thats some really good tree climbing 🙂
Laura x
Was about to comment on your 365 when I was diverted by Winkworth! We went there last year in the Autumn and had a great time (with lots of fab photo opps!) Very jealous about the NT thing – would love to get on their bloggers list!
Looks like you had a great time. N would love all the climbing on the woods, even though he's much smaller.
Off to have a nosy on the 'things to do before you're' website. Sounds great.
Loving the detail in that bench!
Your photos are stunning – love the jumping ones – can see the fun in them.
Your photos are always so heart warming and that looks like a superb place to have visited.
Your "The Boy" really does get to have some serious fun.
x
Looks like he's having so much fun x
Spring at last!
Sounds lovely – I'm in awe at that bench! Xx