inspire JOURNAL Seasonal celebrations, activities and joy for your family in June and July JUNE is a month of summer sun, the longest day, flowers and fairies. Enjoy the sense of magic in the air! DO THIS TODAY! Sign up for the 30 Days Wild challenge organised by The Wildlife Trusts. You’ll be prompted to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June. And it’s really fun! Previous years have had us listening to birdsong, going barefoot, exploring rockpools and bat spotting. It’s ten years old this year and is still completely free to join and take part. Sign up at wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. M E E T YO U R NEIGHBOURS The Big Lunch is a big old yearly gathering for neighbours and communities throughout the UK. Every year millions of people come together for a few hours of food, friendship, and fun. It connects people and encourages friendlier, safer communities where people start to share more – conversations, ideas, skills, resources and friendship. We love the sound of the first open day at Honey Hope Farm in Duffield for example, where you can meet the animals and have a big lunch! Or in Walney, Cumbria participants can play games, listen to live music, feast on a fully catered buffet and take part in stories and crafts at Barrow’s Big Lunch. Find out what’s happening near you at thebiglunch.com 4 Ideas For Father’s Day 1. Make a den. Gather your supplies on a nature walk and build the perfect hideout together. 2. Camp out. Set up a tent in the garden or further afield, decorate the interior and then play games, make a bonfire, cook your dinner outdoors and end the day with some stargazing. 3. Go fly a kite. Perfect for days when there’s enough wind to get the kite up and airborne. Light to medium winds are the best as they will help the kite to soar. 4. Plan a picnic. Prepare a Father’s Day lunch to enjoy outside as a family. ENTOMOLOGISTS REJOICE! Organised by the Royal Entomological Society, Insect Week (24-30 June) is a celebration of all things insect. Wherever you live, it’s an opportunity to take part in science, get to know insects, learn from experts, and have fun. Find a wealth of resources at nationalinsectweek.co.uk (we love the Solitary Bees Guide!) and read young entomologists magazine, Instar. For real life thrills, on 26 June, wander along the banks of the River Stort Navigation to find and record dragonflies and damselflies. Or head out to the Moth Night in Little Hadham on 28 June where you’ll be assisted to identify and record the species seen. Marine enthusiasts unite! Celebrate World Oceans Day on 8 June - a chance to explore the wonders of the sea together, sparking curiosity and respect for marine life. Through activities like beach clean-ups and documentaries, there’s plenty of ways to contribute to ocean conservation. Let's instill values of environmental stewardship early and empower our kids to become advocates for the oceans! worldoceanday.org THE GREEN PARENT • 11