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Connecting children with nature with Mud and Bloom (a review)

Dave's runner beans for sowing - nipitinthebud.co.ukFor the 8 years that I had my allotment I loved the time I spent there – the big expanse of sky as I walked through the gate, the fresh air, the swathes of colour, the neighbourly chats, the sweaty brow, the tired muscles, the fresh food on my plate.  Even just thinking about it as I sit on my bed at home, laptop hot on my legs, makes me smile (and sigh wistfully).  It was such a hard decision to let it go in 2014 after finding it too difficult to juggle the time it needed with life as a new Mum.  Fast forward 4 years and I’m so happy to be back on the plot growing on a small patch of soil on our allotment guardian Dave’s plot.  What really gladdens my heart is to be gardening with my boys.  I may not be as productive as I used to be but there’s nothing like seeing a child’s curiosity and excitement grow alongside the seeds-to-plants-to-food they help nurture.  Both boys are so willing to muck in, literally often, and I hope we may be seeding a life long love of connecting with nature through allotment gardening together.
brothers at the allotment
Not everyone has the opportunity to garden together so I know how lucky we are.  There are some great ways for engaging children with nature and our recent involvement with the Wildlife Trusts #30DaysWild challenge and Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count are just a couple.  Some of our favourite outdoor spaces often provide nature activities in the school holidays like the butterfly scavangar trail at Crickley Hill last year or the Nature explorers days held at Robinswood Hill.  For people who don’t have easy access to outdoor spaces there’s now a way of bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside with a Mud and Bloom subscription box, delivered to your door on the first day of each month.
Mud and Bloom subscription box image copy

Mud and Bloom nature crafts and gardening activities

have been developed by Anja Ffrench who believes passionately in connecting children to nature.  Anja says:

“Studies show there is increasingly a disconnect between children and nature, resulting in increased stress and leading to depression in later life. It is vital that children have regular contact with nature, with proven benefits including enhanced brain development, improved concentration and mental health – as well as helping them stay fit and healthy.  I hope the Mud & Bloom nature crafts and gardening boxes will help inspire families to get their children outdoors and more connected to nature and gardening.”

After giving up full time work Anja enrolled on an RHS Horticulture Course planning to set up a gardening business that would fit around looking after her children.  She began writing about children and nature on her Mud & Bloom bloom blog and was overwhelmed by responses from other parents wanting to find ways of getting their children into nature.  She saw a way of combining her love of gardening, crafting and being outdoors to create activities for busy parents to do with their children at home.  Anja’s boys had enjoyed a couple of monthly craft subscription boxes but there was nothing available based on gardening or nature.  And so Mud and Bloom was born and launched in December 2017. 

Mud and Bloom July subscription box

I contacted Anja to see if she would like Euan to try her subscription service and having seen what a diligent reviewer he is she kindly sent us the July box.  I intended to keep it aside for the school holidays but after sneaking a peep into the box decided it would make a wonderful Sunday afternoon activity for respite from the ongoing heatwave.  Although it’s aimed at 3-8 year olds I knew 2 year old Luca would want to get in on the action and I was able to pull together a few of our craft supplies to match Euan’s so they could work on it together.  It’s wonderful that the box provides everything you need for a seasonal gardening activity (instructions, quizzes, seeds and even compost) and a crafting activity (building materials, seasonal treasures, tiny tubes of glue or paint). Activities have been created by qualified teachers and they support the National Curriculum with influence from Forest School, Steiner and Montessori education.
Mud and Bloom subscription box_growing seeds - nipitinthebud.co.uk

The subscription box is really affordable

at £7.95 per month including UK postage and there is no minimal subscription so you can cancel at any time.  You can also arrange delivery as a gift with a 3 month subscription which is such a fabulous feature or buy a previous box.  I’ve often looked at Magazine subscriptions or gift boxes as an alternative to presents for Euan but a year’s subscription becomes an expensive suggestion. The subscription box arrives addressed to your child which is so exciting and I love that the packaging is re-usable.

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This crafting activity was great for both boys

and contrary to what people say about a toddler’s ability to concentrate Luca was absorbed in his gluing and sticking for nearly as long as Euan.  If it hadn’t been such a hot day I think Euan would have happily extended his Mud and Bloom crafting activity by decorating the delivery box with the leftover tape as a keepsake for his instruction cards.  I always appreciate it when packaging can be turned into a rainy day activity too!
Mud and Bloom subscription box_gluing toddler - nipitinthebud.co.ukMud and Bloom subscription box_toddler button jam jar - nipitinthebud.co.uk

If you’re still unsure about the value of a Mud and Bloom subscription box

here are Anja’s top 3 reasons to subscribe to Mud and Bloom :

1/  Educational

The activities will help your children engage and connect with nature – helping them learn about and interact with plants, insects and the seasons.

2/  Fun

They will have fun growing their own fruit, vegetables and plants and creating their own crafts inspired by nature and the seasons.

3/  Easy

The boxes will be delivered to your door with all the seeds and materials needed for the gardening activity – there’s no need for you to have a garden or tools.  Nature craft activities are designed around things that can easily be found in parks and gardens!

Mud and Bloom subscription box_flower jars - nipitinthebud.co.ukI had fun decorating a jar too and will be using it for storing all the ice lolly sticks we’re collecting for an ”I’m bored” ideas jar.). We haven’t managed to do any artwork with our own nature paint brushes yet but there’s a terrific review at Lisa’s notebook that shows you how that might turn out.

Disclosure: we were sent the July subscription box free in exchange for a review. We were not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Me and Mine [July 2018] – Brooke Chine NT beach, IoW
Love never ends – in memory of Mum

9 comments

  • Tina @ girlsgospel.com
    August 5, 2018

    WOW! My 6 year old would love this! We have an allotment and she’s down there all the time. Her Pumpkins are already bigger than her head haha #MySundayPhoto

    Reply
  • MotherGeek
    August 5, 2018

    This looks brilliant! Love the first photo 🙂 #MySundayPhoto

    Reply
  • Carol
    August 5, 2018

    Family gardening is wonderful but I also love the little jar vases they decorated.

    Reply
  • debsrandomwritings
    August 5, 2018

    Hi Nic, it must have been heartbreaking having to give up something you loved, but everything worked out alright in the end, Dave sounds like an angel. Connecting with nature, even in some small way, can make us feel so much better inside. Watching how creatures live and plants grow is magical through the eyes of a child. Knowing that we can eat what we grow must encourage healthy eating in children too. The monthly subscription box sounds like a great idea for filling a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

    xx

    Reply
  • Connie at Weeds to Wild
    September 2, 2018

    Such a cute idea! I’m going to go do the ‘nature paintbrushes’ with my son as soon as he’s up from nap!

    Reply
  • Ann
    September 9, 2018

    I love this idea for a subscription box! I would definitely get something like this in the states if I ever have children. I enjoy doing crafts as well and all of these activities would be great to share with children. Thank you for sharing on the #MyGloriousGardens September Link party!

    Reply
  • oldhouseintheshires
    September 22, 2018

    This is such a great idea but I feel sad that it’s needed at all tbh. Children and mud should go hand in hand but I know that doesn’t happen for many, many children. Therefore, this is a good idea for parents who want to provide opportunities that normally their children wouldn’t have enjoyed. Thank you for joining in with the `September # MyGloriousGardens. We hope to see you next month. X

    Reply
  • Kids of the Wild
    September 25, 2018

    I love this idea for a subscription box. And didn’t the boys decorate those jars beautifully. #MyGloriousGardens

    Reply
  • connecting children with nature (a Mud and Bloom review) - nipitinthebud.co.uk
    June 21, 2019

    […] the July Mud and Bloom subscription box last year and you can read all about the fun we had with it here.  We didn’t take out a subscription as we’re fortunate enough to have access to an […]

    Reply

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Instagram post 2198747090365379055_5380256260 The last time I posted about the Make and Take shop in Gloucester was March 2018.  I'd happened across it with Luca and we made the "you are my sunshine" picture for Euan.  We went back with E to make a present for my Dad and promptly forgot all about it (it was a bit stressful stopping a then 2 year old Luca from pulling  everything off the shelf!) .
I remembered the shop today while thinking about picture frame gifts for family.  Euan decorated a frame for his best friend and Luca made one for Papa G and Nanny.  It's just £5 for a 45 min session in which you can create all sorts of beautiful presents.  Treasure Seekers is an Aladdin's cave of  all things sparkly and crafty with zero clean up after.  Bookings can be made on-line via their website and you can read about the other activities offered and how they use their income to support vulnerable people in our local community. 
https://www.kftseekers.org.uk/make-and-take-bookings
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#childhoodunplugged #gloucesterlife
Instagram post 2198605453911891038_5380256260 Euan's been collecting rocks and gems since I gave him some of mine when he was 5.  We're all learning so much from opening his tumble stones advent calendar each day.  It includes an info/affirmation card and I came across the boys playing a matching game with them this morning.  I had no idea 3 year old Luca knew so much!!! (see IGTV video)
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Tumble stones are such a brilliant gift for children as they really spark their imagination.  They can seem really magical especially when you find a special bag to keep them in (or a cut up piece of felt if you're Euan). Pop down to Idunspirit in the back of Gloucesters Eastgate Market to browse their collection, prices start from £1!
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#childhoodunplugged #gloucesterlife #tumblestones #idunspirit
Instagram post 2197831409134312440_5380256260 I've cried hard and now it's back to the business of the heart.  Be kind people.
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#sadsadday #election2019 #scaredforthefuture 
Reposted from @tinybuddhaofficial -  Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.⠀
⠀
#tinybuddha #quotes #dailyquotes #quotesdaily #quoteoftheday #wisdomquotes #wordsofwisdom #dailywisdom #quotestoliveby #bekind #kindness #kindnessquotes - #regrann
Instagram post 2194489444842056854_5380256260 We're giving our stamp money to CLIC Sargent this year instead of sending Christmas cards.  If you're seeing this post it means we love you and wish you well for a healthy and happy time with your loved ones.  Let's catch up in 2020 💕
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(gorgeous Christmas card made by Luca @stcatharinesunder5s .  If you're looking for a playgroup place in Gloucester for a 2.5-4 year old St Cats is ace and Luca will be there to play with until July).
Instagram post 2193014269789308381_5380256260 We had some sad news today and it would have been easy to hide under the duvet and press pause on the day.  Parenting through grief last year when we lost Mum taught me that whatever happens the world still turns, night comes after day and children will still want their snacks! .
Luca and I walked home from playgroup in the rain this afternoon with this bounty of Christmas crafting.  The children @stcatharinesunder5s have been secretly making Christmas tree decorations, cards and stockings and today held a Christmas market for parents to buy them all.  Luca has scoffed most of the edible stuff but is doing an amazing job of waiting for Euan to get home to help pull his cracker.  Our favourite creation is the reindeer glitter jar (see stories) .  Such a simple idea using recycled glass jars.
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#gloucesterlife #childhoodunplugged #christmasgiftideas #christmascrafts
Instagram post 2190213411732985055_5380256260 #theuniversehasyourbackdeck .
Needed this today.  Faith in myself.  Trust in change.  Belief in better days.
Instagram post 2189405971454295179_5380256260 The day the @thebookpeople brochure dropped through the door the boys started their Christmas wish lists with a cut out of a toy each.  Tomorrow we're posting their lists off to Santa.  My house would be filled to the rafters with cars if Luca had his way! .
#gloucesterlife #childhoodunplugged #lovemyboys💙 
#bookworm #carlovingboy
Instagram post 2186595242791615964_5380256260 What are you doing this time next week?  I'll be hosting a virtual shopping event to tie in with Weleda's real Christmas event in Derbyshire.  This is the first time wellbeing advisors across the country are intentionally holding events on the same day.  I also have a wellbeing session in the evening for a lovely raffle prize winner and her daughter's to experience the bliss of some Weleda down time.
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There will be a special offer on the 4th that even I don't know about yet.  All this in addition to the 3 for 2 on Christmas gifts and the 15% off 3 different facial care products. .
Order from the comfort of your sofa with no parking fees, rain to dodge, tired feet or queues for delivery anywhere in the UK (so you don't even have to get to the post office!). I'll share the virtual link a few days before but in the meantime if you'd like to browse the brochure or gift guide comment below and I'll get it to you x
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#christmasgiftideas #weledalove #practicingselfcare #cleanbeauty #sustainability #3for2 #weledagloucester
Instagram post 2183436576798262000_5380256260 I hosted a winter wellbeing drop-in at home yesterday for people to find out more about Weleda's organic skincare products and natural medicines.  I had tea and cake and a collection box for CLIC Sargent .  I completely forgot to point it out to people so when the boys came home and asked what it was for they immediately went to their money boxes to pop some pennies in.  I'm so happy to be  raising the next generation of kind, compassionate, thoughtful young men. .
Would you be interested in coming to my next wellbeing drop in? .
#lovemyboys💙 #gentlenessisstrength #gloucesterlife 
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Instagram post 2180655940463016283_5380256260 Public service announcement:  Santa's way ahead on Christmas present making this year!
He wants your wish list letters boys and girls and promises to reply if you get them to him before 6th December x
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Instagram post 2180426197838978989_5380256260 Good Morning.  It's cold out there, wrap up my lovelies! 
@riversidegym
Instagram post 2179685896790969544_5380256260 Still cracking me up after all these years @musicalgeorgemoorey (#25yearsstrong💕 ). How did we make such gorgeous children? .
Lovely walk in Churchdown yesterday following Luca and Euan as they hared off to say Hi to every dog in the park.  Crazy Luca insisted on shorts which proved to be helpful for going out to the lantern procession in the dark later ("Were you hot or cold in your shorts earlier?" "Ok Mum, you can get me long trousers") .
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Instagram post 2178004094678374919_5380256260 This makes me want to take up wood carving!  I love this.  It reminds me of my "hide" inner voice that's often accompanied by a physical urge to tug my jumper up over my head to hide my face!  I'm 44 years old so that doesn't actually happen but it's funny how frightened little Nic, who wouldn't have said boo to a goose, can be quite determined in trying to steer my course still.  I've recently come across a technique called Havening which uses light touch strokes to help discharge the emotional pain attached to distressing thoughts and memories.  It's impact is remarkable for aiding the healing of trauma.  I'm lucky enough to have a friend who is a Havening  practitioner and just one session has transformed some of the social anxiety that's held me back most of my life.  It's so freeing not second guessing every outcome of every conversation and not finding a reason to blame myself for what is actually 'others people's stuff'. I also seem to be less concerned about what other people think and more comfortable with expressing what I need which has been a long time coming! .
Image reposted from @schoolofbodywork
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❣️Young or old, loneliness doesn't discriminate.❣️The odds ratio (statistic) of early death from loneliness is 48% (a bigger killer than diabetes & smoking). ❣️Touch is fundamentally important for human wellbeing. ❣️Positive touch changes our stress response, it releases neurochemicals; endorphins and hormones including oxytocin which plays a crucial role in creating bonds between people -  developing trust, reducing anxiety and forming strong functional attachments. ❣️Simply put nurturing touch is a crucial element of our emotional wellbeing. ❣️Small gestures have big impact. - #regrann .
#healthymindhealthybody #mindbodyconnection #practicingselfcare #loveyourbody #gloucesterlife #haveningtechniques
Instagram post 2170573919921535625_5380256260 Need ideas for Advent calendars this year? These are ours for a 3 year old, 7 year old and a 44 year old!
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- @idunspirit, our local mind, body, spirit shop have this amazing tumble stones calendar which I've bought for Euan.  24 stones for £30 (swipe right to see just how brilliant this is) + free postage (I think the festive cheer has gone to their head!). .
- @johnlewisandpartners have this cars calendar for Luca.  Its £25 but there are 17 die cast cars (unlike most other calendars that had a disappointing 5 cars plus a load of flags and cones or lots of of plastic)
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- @hollandandbarrett have this organic tea calendar with 24 different cuppas for £4.99.  I'm looking forward to trying and sharing these through December (as I can see a whole bunch I don't much fancy the sound of!) .
(Side note: I used to hate the idea of calendars for the expense/waste/expectation of chocolate each day but since buying Lego and Play Mobil calendars the last few years I've changed my tune.  The boys get so much enjoyment from them and not just through December but for months after.  It also seems to help them wait out Christmas day with minimal moaning.  Advent calendars can seem expensive but when you find the right one it's the cost of a Lego set! 
We pack the contents away with the Christmas stuff come Spring so 1st December not only brings a new calendar but the return of the previous years toys ☺️
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#adventcalendars #childhoodunplugged #gloucesterlife
Instagram post 2170416935091911174_5380256260 "Being brave isn't the absence of fear.  Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it". bear Grylls.
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There's a little thing called "your comfort zone" that it's good to stretch every now and again.  I used to think it was a safe, cosy, quiet place to hang out but lately it's become an uneasy, noisy, prickly place I'd prefer to escape!  The problem is it's scary stepping out.  Even if all the wise souls you know swear you'll like it on the other side it's hard stepping over that precipice.  What if ...? Will they ...? How will I ..?. All the questions and a ton of fearful answers stop me dead in my tracks.
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Becoming a Weleda Wellbeing Advisor has been the biggest stretch of my comfort zone.  I'm an introvert, live with anxiety and don't like the spot light on me.  I love doing 1:1s, am learning to be ok with small events but big groups/the unknown still bring up a primal fear/run away response in me.  I've discovered recently that managing anxiety around wellbeing events is greatly diminished when I do them in my own home.  So I had the great idea of hosting a Christmas wellbeing/shopping event. Easy right?  Well no, it took me 3 days to hit send on the invite.  Some people would worry about no one turning up.  I worry that loads of people will.  Strangely now I have put it out there I don't feel so anxious.  It's so true that the fearful thoughts in our head are rarely as bad as what we actually experience!  Thank goodness for @melrobbins "5 second rule" and the wisdom of @brenebrown to recognise vulnerability and daring greatly are allies and the only way to learning and growth is wading right through the fear zone. .
#overcominganxiety #gloucesterlife #weledawellbeingadvisor #practicewhatyoupreach
Instagram post 2169103097474071390_5380256260 Finally got to @gloucestercathedral to see @museumofthemoon .  If you've not made it yet you have one more day to get there x
Instagram post 2167465647626728973_5380256260 Happy Friday!  It's a bus adventure for us today to meet Grandad @thewilsonchelt .
Have fun whatever you're doing 💚
Instagram post 2166354850452207487_5380256260 It's decade since I foraged cobnuts to try out Pam Corbin's Honeyed Hazelnuts recipe.  Dave our allotment angel gave us some cobnuts from the allotment this year but I just crack and eat them almost without thinking about it.  It's said there's as much protein in 6 cobnuts as there is in a 4oz sirloin steak so it's probably just as well I'm not downing that with a load of sugar!  If you'd like to know how to make honey Hazelnuts (they'd make lovely edible Christmas gifts - see the link in my bio for the blog post).
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#foragersdelight  #handmadegifts #ediblegifts #gloucesterlife #pamcorbin #rivercottagepreserveshandbook #honeyedhazelnuts #cobnuts
Instagram post 2166292984258477571_5380256260 Half way through half term and it's been a mostly indoor Lego/den/Minions monopoly playing week.  That's ok though.  Sometimes just hunkering down into the ordinary is just what you need. .
(I wouldn't say no to strolling along this gorgeous beach with my sister-in-law in Germany though!) .
#childhoodunplugged #gloucesterlife #feelingthankful #simplepleasures #welovelego
Instagram post 2158900545745903726_5380256260 #new blog post (link in bio)
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"dearest Luca, now you are 3" including a nod to the fabulous @brenebrown and her Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto .
#childhoodunplugged #gloucesterlife #lovethisboy #brenebrownquotes #wholeheartedliving
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