Words by Smiley Team
In a world of digital distractions, it’s not always easy to encourage children to explore the natural world – but one business is doing just that, by delivering a monthly subscription box of seasonal nature crafts and gardening activities to people's doors.
Anja French started Mud & Bloom from her kitchen table three years ago because, despite living in the city, she loved spending time out and about with her three children in nature.
She saw first-hand that when she took her own children out, the improvements to their mental and physical health and concentration was high. So, Anja set out to create something to make gardening and nature more accessible to busy parents like her, regardless of where they lived.
Mud & Bloom boxes are for 3-8 year olds and delivered through your letterbox at the beginning of each month.
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Each box includes everything you need for four seasonal gardening and nature craft activities along with nature news, spotting activities and games to teach children about animals, plants, insects, birds and the seasons.
The seeds are certified organic and biodynamic wherever possible, and they also provide organic, peat-free compost pellets in each box so you can get planting immediately.
Activities have been created by qualified teachers and support the national curriculum with influence from Forest School, Steiner and Montessori education.
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Activity sheets are written for children to read or be read to, which helps them enjoy the activities and use them to appreciate and learn about nature.
Most of the craft activities are designed to get children finding and using objects from nature - all can easily be found on a short walk to your garden or local park.
Ultimately, Anja wants children and their parents to enjoy spending time in nature: touching and smelling, picking flowers and engaging the senses. This is how children learn and connect with each other - and children who develop a bond with the natural world will want to look after it in the future.
From making window stars, coffee filter leaf garlands and hot rocks, to cork boats, jam jar lanterns and elderflower cordial, there are plenty of creative ideas on the Mud & Bloom’s website.
