@DilgerTV. Mike Dilger Journalist mikedilger.co.uk. GET SPOTTING! The best way to learn about the wonderful creatures li
BUILD A NEST FOR ROBIN! Design a nest for Robin to keep him and his family warm in the winter months! Give him some juicy caterpillars, fruit and berries too!
Once you’ve finished your drawing, use it as a guide to build the real thing in your back garden at home, or in the playground at school!
@DilgerTV
Mike Dilger Journalist
mikedilger.co.uk
GET SPOTTING! The best way to learn about the wonderful creatures living in your garden is to spy on them! See if you can spot the insects, birds and animals below and make notes about the things they get up to when they think you’re not looking …
robin
rabbit
pigeon
bugs
fox
mole
ladybird
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Mike Dilger Journalist
mikedilger.co.uk
DINNER TIME! Our friendly garden neighbours are experts at finding the food they need to survive, but sometimes they need a helping hand, especially in the winter months! Can you build a bird feeder for the birds in your garden or in the playground at school? You will need: Plastic bottles, yoghurt pots or milk cartons (make sure they’re clean), wire or string, bird seed, scissors Steps: 1) Cut a hole in the side of the bottle large enough to allow a free flow of seeds, but in such a way that it won’t all fall out on the ground in the slightest puff of wind, and won’t get wet if it rains. 2) Make a few small holes in the bottom of your feeder to allow any rainwater to drain away. 3) Hang it with wire, or even strong string from a tree or your washing line. 4) If your feeder starts to wear out or the food in it goes mouldy, recycle it and make another one! Remember to keep your feeders well stocked, especially in winter. Birds come to rely on them and will go hungry if you forget. Important notes: This will require adult help with cutting. Be aware of nut allergies.
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Mike Dilger Journalist
mikedilger.co.uk
GET GROWING! There is nothing better than planting a tiny seed and watching it turn into a beautiful flower or plant! There’s nothing stopping you from growing your own, all you need is some soil and some tender love and care! Oh, and a little bit of patience … Steps to grow your own sunflower: 1) Choose a spot in your garden which gets the most sun (6 – 8 hours a day is perfect), sheltered from strong winds. Make sure there’s something nearby (like a fence) to tie the stem to. 2) Choose your sunflower seeds, which can be bought at most big supermarkets or your local gardening centre. 3) Wait until a week or two after the last frost has thawed, and soak your seeds the night before you plant them, in a little bowl of warm water. 4) Dig some holes. (You’ll need a spade for this and remember to ask permission first!) Check the back of your seed packet, but usually the holes should be 5cm deep and 15cm apart. 5) Plant your seeds in the hole, and wait! You’ll need to water them regularly in the evening, but keep an eye on rainfall as you don’t want to drown them! 6) After about 2 weeks you should start to see some shoots. If someone is munching on these, a plastic cup with the bottom cut off or a milk carton chopped in half are some quick and easy ways to make little protective tents around the baby plants. 7) Keep an eye on them. If the sunflowers begin to bend over, tie them up to a nearby fence – an old t-shirt or a ripped up plastic bag are perfect for this job.
@DilgerTV
Mike Dilger Journalist
mikedilger.co.uk
