Create a nature diary with your child

This time of year is lovely - I don't mean the rain but the feeling that spring is in the air and the seasons are changing. It's also the perfect time of year to start a nature diary with your children.

This can take many forms but, without wishing to to stereotype anyone, I've found boys tend to love a technological approach to this sort of thing. You could set up a blog for them, or a Tumblr account (which is more picture heavy).

I prefer to make a book or use a scrapbook as it can be adapted more easily, depending on what you want to note down. I know that's doable with a blog or on a computer too but I do love the old fashioned way. Either way, the main thing is that regular recordings of the natural world are made.

Decide how often you'll update your diary; daily may turn it into a chore but every Friday after school or on Saturday mornings might make it easier to remember. Don't forget too to include any walks, trips to the park or the woods.

These are the things you can include in your nature diary:

• The weather: we have been known to have snow in April so it's fun to record the weather regularly and see the variations. You can also use a raincatcher to help you

•  Pressed flowers: press any herbs or flowers from your garden but don't pick wild flowers

• Wild flowers: make a note of where you see these (and the date). Instead of picking draw a picture or take a photograph that you can print out later

• Gardening: make a note of seeds sown, when the seedlings appear, how they grow (particularly for sunflowers) and when you harvest your flowers or veg

• Wildlife: make a note of birds spotted in your garden or out on your travels. You can also look for badger tracks or signs of rabbits when out walking.

We've already talked about enticing our feathered friends into the garden by putting out a variety of bird food but if you want to record other wildlife in your diaries learn about animal tracks.

Photo: Debbie Webber