What's on in September

Here's our selection of events, things to do and days out for kids of all sizes...

Snuffle for food

Until 6 September

Summer Survival at the Eden Project

http://www.edenproject.com/

There's a wealth of yummy food right on your doorstep. But you can't just eat any old berry or mushroom you find. The foraging tours at the Eden Project are a great way to learn about what wild foods that you can eat, from experts who know all about it. Check website for tour times.

Invent a breakfast

5-20 September

National Organic Fortnight

www.soilassociation.org

This year’s event is all about waking up to organic breakfasts, so instead of your usual cereal, why not create some inventive organic breakfasts – made by you? Have a look at our Eat Greener section to get some inspiration. You can find out all about organic food at one the many events across the country, such as the Organic Food Festival in Bristol. If you’re in London, the markets and food stores are a good place to start. Alternatively, why not see why your food comes from by visiting an organic farm?

Build an enormous sandcastle

Until 7 September

Sand Sculpture Festival

http://www.westonsandsculpture.co.uk/

Are you a dab hand at building sandcastles? Well, at this festival, sculptors from all over the world build the most amazing creations out of sand. Some are up to four metres high! Head down to Weston-super-Mare before 7 September and see artists chiselling away to get inspiration for your own sandcastles.

Tell a story

13 September

Roald Dahl Day

http://www.roalddahlday.info/

Roald Dahl is a famous children’s author. He’s written books that you’ve probably read, such as James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! To celebrate his work, why not invite friends and family around for a storytelling event? You can also download a complete Roald Dahl Day kit here to help you and your parents come up with ideas. Remember if you need to print – make sure it’s double-sided! 

Protect the ozone layer

16 September

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

www.unep.fr/ozonaction/events/ozoneday/

Today is all about raising awareness about the ozone layer – your school is probably doing something for it! The ozone layer is a thin shield up in the sky that protects life on Earth from the sun’s strong ultra violet (UV) rays. In recent years, pollution has started to damage the ozone layer, which means that more UV radiation is coming through and having bad health effects on us, such skin cancer and eye damage. Find out more at www.ozzyozone.org/ 

How many moths can you spot?

18-19 September

National Moth Night

www.nationalmothnight.info/

Your mum’s probably moaned about moths eating your clothes, but not all of them do that. There are hundreds of beautiful species in the UK, but it’s sometimes hard to keep a count of them all. So National Moth Night is all about recording the species in your area. This might involve setting up a moth-trap in your garden, looking for moths at your kitchen window or in your garden, or attending a public event. The ones to look out for are the colour-marked moths. Find out more here.

Go to a festival

18-20 September

Out of the Ordinary

http://www.outoftheordinaryfestival.com/ 

Missed Glastonbury this year? Fear not, the Out of the Ordinary festival is a three-day eco and family-friendly festival with solar-powered stages and wind generators. There are lots of activities for kids, including everything from face-painting to circus skills! There are also things for the grown ups to do too, such as fascinating talks and workshops and a green market place.

Run for the trees

19 September

London Tree-Athlon

http://www.tree-athlon.org/

Give something back to the environment this autumn by entering a Tree-Athlon! They’re happening in London, Leeds and Manchester and are open to those aged over 14. The Tree-Athlon is a unique three-part event that includes a five-kilometre run, an opportunity to share your wish for the future of trees and even the chance to plant a sapling! All the organisers ask is that you raise a minimum of £25 sponsorship – without it they would be unable to create new tree-planting projects and teach budding tree-lovers about the importance and benefits of trees. 

Meet the farmer

19 September - 4 October

British Food Fortnight

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-stourhead/

Calling all budding farmers! To celebrate British Food Fortnight, you can meet Stourhead tenant farmer Steve Harris and watch his entertaining sausage-making demonstrations and discover how he manages his organic, wildlife-friendly farm. Sessions are 2.30-3.30pm and 3.30-4.30pm. Find other events and information about British Food Fortnight at http://lovebritishfood.co.uk/

Forget the car

22 September

World Car-free Day

Driving to school or your friends’ houses not only clogs up the roads, but it also causes lots of unnecessary pollution. Instead, try the greener way by walking or cycling. If you do live in the sticks and have to drive, perhaps you could catch the bus or join a liftshare scheme? Find out more about liftshare here. 

Go on a night-time adventure

23 September

London Wetland Centre

www.wwt.org.uk/event/175/1407/night_adventure.html

Ever wondered who or what comes out of hiding after dark? At the London Wetland Centre you can do just that and find out how to build a fire, make a den, set a moth trap and use bat detectors! The adventure starts at 6.30pm and costs £20 per person. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Book now on 020 8409 4400.

Go to an urban jungle

Until 27 September

Butterfly Jungle

www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/butterfly-jungle/index.html

In among the tall buildings of London, the Natural History Museum is home to a magical jungle – a butterfly jungle. From the forest floor to the magnificent heights of the tree canopy, get close and personal with live butterflies and other rainforest creatures. Runs until 27 September, so hurry!