Encouraging Environmental Awareness in Children
April brings longer days, blooming flowers, and the perfect chance to step outside and enjoy nature as a family. At CHEXS, we know just how powerful time in the natural world can be, especially for children. That’s why we place such a strong focus on outdoor experiences through our Children and Young People Team and the GROWTH programme.
This month, we’re encouraging families to explore the world around them and find fun, simple ways to build environmental awareness together. Whether it’s sorting the recycling, planting seeds, or going for a nature walk, every small action helps children develop a deeper respect for our planet, and it can be great fun too!
Why the Environment Matters to Us
At CHEXS, with nearly 15 years experience nature plays a big role in the work we do. Through our GROWTH programme, we support children and young people in building confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills, all while exploring the outdoors. From woodland walks to team challenges, we see first hand how being in nature can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing.
We want to share that love of the environment with families too. Helping children understand how to look after the world around them not only helps the planet, it helps them grow into kind, thoughtful, and capable young people.
So let’s dive into some easy and enjoyable ways to go green together this April.
Go Exploring on a Nature Walk
Spring is bursting with life, and it’s a great time to head outside as a family. Nature walks don’t need to be far from home, your local park or a nearby footpath will do just fine.
Fun ideas to try:
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Take a “nature spotter sheet” and see how many birds, bugs, or plants your children can find.
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Collect natural items (like leaves or feathers) to make a collage or nature journal at home.
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Talk about how animals and plants all rely on a healthy environment to live and grow.
It’s amazing what you can discover when you slow down and take a closer look.
Make Recycling Fun
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to start helping the environment from home. And when children get involved, it becomes more meaningful and a bit more fun!
Family-friendly recycling tips:
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Let your child be the “recycling captain” for the week and put items in the right bins.
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Decorate your recycling bins together using old magazines or leftover crafts.
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Have a “recycling race” to see who can sort the most items (correctly!) in one minute.
You can even take a little trip to a local bottle bank or recycling centre to show them what happens next.
Plant Something Together
Gardening is a brilliant way to connect with nature and teach children where their food comes from. You don’t need a big garden, pots on a windowsill or balcony work just as well.
Easy ideas to grow:
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Sunflowers or cress are fun and fast-growing.
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Herbs like mint or basil smell lovely and can be used in family meals.
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Strawberries or tomatoes can bring excitement as children watch them ripen.
You could even start a “plant diary” with drawings or photos to track the changes. Watching something grow from a tiny seed into a plant is such a great lesson in patience and care.
Take a Screen Free Nature Day
Sometimes, the best thing for everyone is a day away from screens. A screen-free nature day can help families reconnect, with each other and with the outdoors.
Things to do on your nature day:
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Visit a local woodland or nature reserve.
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Create a den using sticks, blankets, and imagination.
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Do a cloud-spotting challenge or play “I spy” with natural objects.
Being outside helps children relax, boosts creativity, and creates space for important conversations.
Enjoy Stories About the Environment
Books and stories are a lovely way to introduce big ideas in an age-appropriate way. Sharing stories together helps children think about the world and how they can make a difference.
Some great eco-themed books:
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The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, A fun, rhyming story about trees and caring for the earth.
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Somebody Swallowed Stanley by Sarah Roberts, A tale about ocean plastic and kindness.
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What a Waste by Jess French , A colourful guide to reducing rubbish and protecting the planet.
You could also watch nature documentaries as a family, Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, and Our Planet are all great for sparking curiosity and conversations.
Join Local Green Activities
Taking part in eco-friendly activities in your community helps children feel proud of making a difference and it’s a great way to spend time together.
Look out for:
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Litter picking walks (bring gloves and make it a mini adventure!).
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Tree planting events in your area.
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Community garden projects or eco-clubs at school.
CHEXS often runs outdoor activities through our Children and Young People Team, where children build confidence and teamwork through challenges like den building and rope bridges. Keep an eye on our Facebook page or website to see what’s coming up near you!
Make Eco-Friendly Choices as a Family
Children learn a lot by watching what adults do. Involving them in small day-to-day decisions shows them how to be mindful and make positive choices.
Simple swaps to talk about:
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Using reusable water bottles and bags.
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Turning off lights and taps when not needed.
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Choosing second-hand items or fixing broken toys.
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Walking or cycling short distances instead of using the car.
These little conversations build big habits over time.
Final Thoughts
April is a great month to enjoy the outdoors and start thinking about how we can all care for the environment a little more. At CHEXS, we’ve seen how powerful nature can be in helping children build confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Through the GROWTH programme and our work with young people, we see those benefits every day.
By encouraging environmental awareness at home, you’re not just helping your child learn about the planet, you’re helping them grow into thoughtful, responsible people.
Let’s make this April a month of fresh air, green spaces, and meaningful family moments.
We’d love to see your family’s eco adventures!
Tag us on social media or email your photos to admin@chexs.co.uk
we’ll be sharing some of our favourites to inspire others too.
For more about CHEXS and the support we offer to families, children, and young people, visit www.chexs.co.uk
