Mother Nature is everywhere.
I first remember feeling her true power when I stood peering tentatively over the side of the Grand Canyon. The sheer expanse was overwhelming and the impact dizzying.
On these awe inspiring moments, when Mother Nature fleetingly reveals her devastating might, there’s an unexplainable feeling that we are part of something bigger. MUCH bigger.
The power is incredibly humbling and you simply can’t express it in words.
This video by Conservation International, featuring Julia Roberts voice as Mother Nature, however, comes pretty close.
One of the lines particularly strikes home when it says:
‘Nature doesn’t need people, but people need nature’.
What’s all this got to do with parenting?
Well, as a parent, it’s become hugely important to incorporate nature into my Little Lady’s childhood, particularly at a time when childhood is increasingly moving itself indoors and becoming more inert than active.
As the National Wildlife Federation put it, ‘The nature of childhood has changed. There’s not much nature in it.’
The ‘Awesome’ in Mother Nature
For me, pictures often speak much louder than words and the following 7 photos (all credited to the original source/photographer) do just that. They all succeed in capturing the ‘awesome’ in nature – from the magic of fairytale woodlands to the wonders of the night sky.
I hope that you too will find them awesome and become inspired, in your own way, to nurture the nature back into childhood.
Nature is Awesome – Woodlands and Forests
As National Geographic put it ‘Looking at one of Ellie Davies‘ photographs takes you to the edge of an enchanted forest humming with the possibility of fantastical things about to happen.’
Woodland Resources For Kids
If the beautiful and stunning photos by Ellie Davies don’t get you thinking about the magic of forests, fairies and woodlands, I’m not sure what will!
For some outdoor ideas to inspire kids to get out and enjoy forest and woodland environments, try 9 Woodland Activities For Kids That Rock.
Alternatively, plan your woodland adventure in the UK with the The Woodland Trust or in the USA with this list of US National Forests.
Or for a spot of magic, why not try one of the Fairy House Ideas For Your Garden on Pinterest!
Nature is Awesome – The Ocean
I was blown away by the power of this photo by Landscape, Travel and Ocean Art Photographer Andrew Semark. The power and beauty of the sea is captured head on.
For more ocean inspired visuals, try these 18 Jaw Dropping Ocean Photos or this video from another incredible wave photographer, Clark Little.
Ocean Resources For Kids
To get kids interested in the wonders of the ocean, try these ocean related games and activities from Thank You Ocean or these Ocean and Tsunami facts from National Geographic Kids.
Nature is Awesome – Landscapes
Further Resources For Kids
To introduce kids to the natural world, try National Geographic For Kids Structure of the Earth and Explosive Volcano Facts or check out The Seven Natural Wonders of the World from National Geographic photographer, Stephen Alvarez.
Or if your kid is more hands on – these exploding volcano experiment ideas are lots of fun.
Nature is Awesome – Space and the Solar System
Hubble Peers Into the Storm, by Nasa
Space Resources For Kids
Inspire your little armchair astronauts with these 9 Space and Solar System Books For Kids or space related games, activities and facts from Nasa Kids Club.
Or if you want to try out some star spotting of your own, we use a pair os Astro Binoculars and a good astronomy guide for kids. Once you see the craters of the moon close up, I defy you not to be hooked!
Nature is Awesome – The Weather
Photo of Haiten Volcano, Chana, Chile, by Carlos Gutierrez
Weather Resources For Kids
Nasa’s Climate Kids offers an almighty resource for kids on all things weather related or head to National Geographic for some jaw dropping extreme weather photos or fun weather videos on their Kids’ Youtube Channel.
Or for creative kids, these weather inspired activities on Pinterest include lots of hand on crafts, whilst these kids home weather stations and kits are ideal for home learning .
Nature is Awesome – Wildlife
Wildlife Resources For Kids
Head to National Wildlife Federation for lots of kid related wildlife facts, apps and games or check out these downloadable activity sheets from the Wildlife Trust for inspiration on everything from rock pooling to how to make a bat box or butterfly feeding table.
Nature is Awesome – Ice
Antarctic Ice Photo by Herbert Ponting
Further Resources For Kids
To introduce kids to the wonders of Antarctica and ice in general, check out these resources from Time For Kids, these Glacier Facts from National Geographic Kids or these 50 Stunning Ice Formation Photos.
For some ice inspired activities check out these fun ideas from Happy Hooligans.
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