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 …

fox robin rabbit

mole pigeon bugs

ladybird

@DilgerTV 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.

@DilgerTV 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