Snipe & Their Drumming Song
Snipe are special birds that have been spending the winter all across the UK, but now they’re getting ready to
head to their summer breeding grounds! If you’re out for a walk near wetlands, listen carefully—you might
hear a sound called “drumming”. It’s not made with their beaks, but with their tail feathers as they dive
through the sky!
Lots of birds make sounds that remind us of things—have you ever listened to a pigeon? Their cooing
sounds a bit like they're saying “I - don’t - want - to - go”! Can you think of any other birds whose songs
remind you of an instrument or a funny noise?
World Curlew Day - April 21st!
The 21st of April is also world curlew day! This striking species is a large wading bird found across
heathland and open farmland. It has a distinctive down sloped bill and individuals can live up to 30 years!
These birds love open farmland and heathlands, but sadly, their numbers are going down. That’s why World
Curlew Day is a chance to highlight them and raise awareness and support about this species.
Across the UK, projects like Curlew Connections are helping these birds by working with local communities.
They even use puppets to spread the message!
Hedgehog Spotting Time!
April is a great time to look out for hedgehogs! After a long winter of hibernation, they’re now on the move,
looking for food and a cozy place to nest. If you’re lucky, you might spot one in your garden or local park.
(Hint: They love to snuffle around at dusk!)
Foraging Fun - Wild Garlic & Few-Flowered Leek
Springtime is perfect for getting out into the woods and learning about some tasty wild plants! Two plants to
look out for are:
· Few-Flowered Leek – This plant is invasive, meaning it spreads really fast and pushes out other native
plants. But the good news? It’s delicious! If you find it, pick as much as you like. It has long green leaves, a
triangular stem, and tiny green buds. Crush a leaf—if it smells like garlic, you’ve found it!
· Wild Garlic – A native plant with spear-shaped leaves that smell really strong. But be careful not to take
too much—we want it to keep growing! A good rule is to pick only 3-4 leaves per plant so they stay healthy.
Important Foraging Tip: Watch out for plants that look similar! Lily of the Valley looks a lot like wild
garlic but is not edible—if it doesn’t smell like garlic, leave it alone.
Tasty Recipe: Nut-Free Wild Garlic Pesto
Want to turn your foraged finds into something delicious? Lightly steam or boil the leaves for 2 minutes.
Blend with olive oil, garlic, and pumpkin seeds (lightly toast them to make them extra yummy). Stir in some
grated parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt & pepper. The little bulbs of Few-Flowered
Leek can be used just like onions in your cooking!
Outdoor Activities
