Tuesday
Jan182011
The Nature Table: January
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 10:09 PM 
Today sees the launch of a new series here on the blog.
Do you remember the nature table at primary school? Did you ever trail a bunch of daffodils or a murky container of tadpoles into the classroom to add to the assortment of finds clustered there?
I used to love the nature table. Even now, the sight of snowdrops induces a flashback…thrusting me back to my six year-old self and the fascination of that jam jar strewn surface.
I thought we’d do a virtual version here this year. Each month, I’ll show you what would be on my real, live nature table if I had one….or what I would bring to the teacher if I was still six years old.
January is a spare month. So much is dormant in the landscape. Yet there are always treasures if you search for them. Attracting my attention at the moment:
1. Beech leaves, shrivelled but not yet fallen, glowing in the sunshine.
2. New buds, promising spring will soon be here.
3. The dried, reddish-brown fronds of last year’s bracken.
4. The last of the ivy flowers.
5. A few remaining, mostly wrinkled berries.
6. Bright stems of crimson dogwood.
7. Birds’ nests so obvious in naked trees.
8. Lush, thick moss on the dry stone walls.
Reader Comments (9)
What a fun idea! And sadly, I don't remember a nature table :(
Didn't they have them in America? Or do you have a bad memory? Or were you deprived? :)
I love this collection of photos! Stunning! And I love this idea...
Back home in America I never experience the fun of a nature table at school--sadly it is not a thing done, but should be! But I always loved being outside, so I would pick up leaves on the walk home from the bus stop, etc. It's been a long time since I did anything like this, really collecting a lot of outdoor finds. I love this idea too! You photos inspire too! :o) Happy Days, Helen ((HUGS))
This is a lovely idea. I, too, remember tadpoles swimming around in a jam jar but I think the thing I remember most from the nature table is willow catkins (or pussy willow as we called them then) and hazel catkins. The fat, gray, furry catkins were a real favourite with all the children.
Oh, yes! I remember those, too. In fact, it always seemed to be springtime on the nature table. How come?
Dearest sweet hellen, im loving this idea and everything from the nature is always soo beautiful! These are beautiful collection. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
What a lovely idea! I love this!
So sorry the shop was shut. It was my Dad that was ill. I was away in London and he was going to cover for me. It's very rarely shut so it was a bit painful to have to close. Sorry you came on that day!!!
Oh! I remember these too...I was so proud to be the one in charge of our nature table....it was a passion even then! These photos are stunning Helen, and what a brilliant idea. I will so enjoy your monthly nature table :~)
Thank you for your lovely email...I'm so glad you liked it :~)