From wildlife walks in the countryside to beach days and lake dips, making lifelong memories without leaving a trace.
On the 19 of July, schools across the North East closed for the much awaited summer holidays. Parents are taking time off to spend with their families, looking for fun things to do over the break to keep the kids busy and avoid being stuck inside.
Others, use this time to enjoy a few days off work during the quiet period to relax and enjoy the warmer weather.
Why the Environment Should Be Part of Your Summer Plans
Holidays can use up a lot of money, energy and create pollution. Not everyone thinks about the environment all the time, but it is worth keeping in mind during your summer break.
Being outside surrounded nature is good for your mind and body. Life can be stressful, but getting outside, breathing fresh air, and spending more time in nature can help you feel calmer and happier.
It also helps keep our air clean and our environment thriving. Plants absorb carbon and give us clean air, and animals, insects and other creatures help keep our green spaces lively and blooming. So, we must look after and protect our environment.
So, what can you do this summer to have nature-friendly fun?
Explore the Outdoors
Getting outside is a great way to enjoy and to appreciate our environment. In County Durham and the North East, there are many parks and nature trails, all unique and exciting.
Some favourite places are:
Walks: Derwent Reservoir, Teesdale and Weardale, or Pow Hill. Check out the ‘Visit our countryside’ page on the Durham County Council website.
Parks: Chester-le-street Riverside Park, Blackhill and Consett Park, or Hardwick Park. Visit the ‘Parks and green spaces’ page on the Durham County Council website for more information.
These places are perfect to enjoy a relaxing walk or a picnic in the sun. Parks and the countryside have plenty space for the kids to play, especially if there is a playground available. Or if you want some time alone, enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Eco tip for picnics: Bring reusable bottles, containers and cutlery. Try to avoid single use plastics and buy from local shops where you can.
Durham Wildlife Trust
The Durham Wildlife Trust is a great place to learn about nature and conservation nearby. They run lots of events during the summer holidays and all the year, like guided walks, workshops for kids and adults, wild yoga, volunteering, and nature trips.
Head to the Coast
You don’t have to stick to the countryside, our coast is beautiful and worth exploring too. The Seascapes app is handy for exploring the coast. It shows you important places and shares information about their history and wildlife. There’s even a geology part so you can learn about rocks and formations while you explore.
The coast is great for everyone, whether you’re walking the length, exploring rockpools for crabs, taking a dip in the sea, or sitting back and relaxing with an ice cream.
Please always pick up your litter. Beaches are often left littered with rubbish which not only harms the land wildlife it also harms our marine life. So make sure to use bins around the area if available, if not take the rubbish away with you and, double check your area is clean before leaving.
Fun-packed Summer
There’s more than nature this summer! County Durham has lots of events like, the Fringe Festival nature trails, to craft workshops, and family fun days. There’s something for everyone.
This is Durham shares a list of summer events. For free or low-cost activities, visit the Holiday Activities page on the Durham County Council website.
Getting around
Another great way of looking after our environment is travelling sustainably. Try using buses, trains, or ferries. You can check out last month’s article for more information around sustainable travel. Even better, kids can travel free during the school holidays on busses, the Metro, and the Shields Ferry. Up to three kids aged 11 and under, can travel free with an adult who has a valid ticket. Find out more on NECA’s website.
Alternatively, bike-rides and walking are both great options to get some exercise as a fun activity, and travel over the summer, reduce travel costs, and reduce emissions.
Love to Ride is one initiative that gets you excited about cycling and getting outdoors. You can sign up to take their challenge, whether you’re a novice or expert, to compete and win prizes.
Bring the Fun Indoors
Sometimes you can’t or don’t want to go out. So why not have fun at home? You can still enjoy nature, whether you have a garden, a yard, or even just indoors. Gardening can be made a fun and educational activity for kids and enjoyed alone. You can plant flowers, fruits, or vegetables and create a small green space of your own.
If you don’t have a garden or yard, try potting plants for your windowsills and house plants bringing nature into your home.
You can also get crafty and reuse things to reduce waste. Make a vase from a jam jar, turn a cereal box into a board game, or make greeting cards to save money. The National Trust shared several ideas for sustainable craft projects that you can try.
So, whether you’re heading out to explore the coast, wandering through local parks, or getting creative at home, there are many ways to enjoy the summer while being kind to the environment. So, this summer, have fun, make memories, and keep it green.
We would love to hear from you
Share your stories, experiences, and photos of nature, and send us a few lines on how you are helping protect our environment in County Durham. Whether it is something you do personally, a community project you may be involved in, a business change or action, or even a great photo of nature. We want to celebrate and share your efforts and views.
Send us your stories or photos (with a short explanation) by emailing climatecountydurham@durham.gov.uk or by filling in our Get in Touch form and help inspire others across our beautiful county to take action. And do not forget to sign up to our Climate Change and Carbon Reduction Pledge.
