Quote from Penny McCarthy on September 25, 2024, 1:53 pm

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, has announced an exciting three-year collaboration with National Geographic Kids magazine, introducing interactive and engaging activities for families. This collaboration aims to bring the pages of Nat Geo Kids to life, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for the natural world through educational and fun experiences.

Nature Heroes x Nat Geo Kids: Seed Seeker Adventure

Kicking off the collaboration this October half-term (19 October – 3 November 2024), children can embark on the latest Nature Heroes adventure, Seed Seeker, at Wakehurst. This marks the ninth mission in the popular Nature Heroes series, which has become a beloved activity for families during school holidays.

In Seed Seeker, children will step into the shoes of a seed scientist and follow the fascinating journey of seed banking, from collecting seeds to safeguarding them. Along the way, they’ll encounter a two-metre-high walkie-talkie, interactive sensory activities, and a host of challenges, including cypher wheels, feely boxes, periscopes, and quirky ‘Weird but True’ trivia. The activity trail will make global seed research accessible and fun for all ages, encouraging children to think about the importance of conservation.

At the end of their adventure, young explorers will earn their very first Nature Heroes Academy badge, equipping them with knowledge and skills to spark a passion for protecting the planet’s biodiversity. It’s a perfect way for families to spend time outdoors while engaging in educational activities that could inspire future conservationists.

Celebrating 25 Years of the Millennium Seed Bank

This partnership with National Geographic Kids is just the beginning of a year of celebrations, as 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Seed Bank. As the world’s largest store of wild plant seeds, the Seed Bank has banked over 2.4 billion seeds from more than 40,000 species, playing a vital role in safeguarding plant biodiversity.

Throughout the three-year collaboration, families can return to Wakehurst to experience additional Nature Heroes x Nat Geo Kids activities, webinars, and competitions, celebrating the invaluable work of the Millennium Seed Bank and encouraging the next generation to become environmental stewards.

Affordable Family Fun

In a commitment to accessibility, children under 16 can visit Wakehurst for free all year round, making it an affordable day out for families. Tickets for the Nature Heroes: Seed Seeker adventure are available now at www.kew.org/wakehurst, and pre-booking is essential.

This exciting partnership promises unforgettable adventures for children while fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature and conservation.