Ranger Hamza's Eco Quest - Go on your own Eco Quest

The Ramblers visited an allotment where they saw a bee hive, you might not be able to visit a bee hive but you can still spot bees as they buzz around collecting nectar from flowers to take back to the bee hive. If you spot a bee, do the bee dance like Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers. 

Dandelions can grow in lots of different places, even in the cracks in walls! They can be seen growing in spring and into the summer months. They change from bright yellow to fluffy white. If you spot a dandelion 'clock' you can blow off the seeds and make a wish, just like Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers. 

Acorns play an important role in the environment, tiny acorns can grow into giant oak trees that live for hundreds of years. Acorns are a great food source for animals like squirrels who bury them to eat in winter. Can you find an oak tree with lots of acorns? Remember humans can't eat acorns but you might spot a squirrel eating one. 

Dead wood, like tree stumps are home for animals, insects, birds and fungi. There are so many different types of fungi in many shapes and sizes. Mushrooms are a type of fungi that you might spot growing in a garden or park. Never touch wild mushrooms or fungi as some can be poisonous. But see if you can spot some and take a photo or draw a picture to remember what you have seen. 

You might have a hedge in your garden or walk past a hedge every day. But did you know hedges play an important role in the environment? Hedges are shelter for all types of animals and insects. If you find a hedge look closely at what’s living inside it, be careful not to disturb any creatures. You might see spiders, bugs or even a bird's nest. 

If it's been raining you can get your wellies on and search for some puddles to splash in! Ranger Hamza teaches the Ramblers that puddles are part of the water cycle and that they can support birds, animals, insects and plants too. Can you spot any birds having a drink or a bath in the puddle? Maybe you can see some insects living in and around a muddy puddle, take a closer look and you might be surprised at what you find. 

You might see lots of birds flying in the sky, sitting in trees or drinking from a puddle but can you find a blackbird? The adult males are black and the females are brown in colour and they have an orange beak. Listen out for the blackbirds singing their bird song! Count how many blackbirds you can spot on your Eco Quest. 

Before you head off on your Eco Quest you can ask a grown-up to download your own Eco Quest Check List and save it to a mobile device which you can take with you on your adventure.