Welcome to National Nature Day
When: 1st May, Every Year
May Day marks the traditional start of the growing season in Britain. For centuries it’s been associated with renewal, fertility, and new life — exactly what this programme teaches children through planting and nurturing a seed.
It also lands at the perfect moment agriculturally: daylight is longer, soil is warming, and frost risk is largely past, making it an ideal time to plant and grow successfully.
Symbolically, May Day connects children to British heritage and nature-led traditions, while practically giving their plant the best chance to thrive. It’s a natural, meaningful anchor for a national day focused on growth, responsibility, and living in harmony with nature. 🌱
Why It's Important (For Kids and Nature)
National Nature Day helps children reconnect with the natural world at a time when many are growing up increasingly disconnected from it. By planting and caring for a seed, children develop patience, responsibility and empathy, while understanding how plants, animals and people are all part of the same living system.
This simple, hands-on experience brings nature into schools in a meaningful way, supporting wellbeing, curiosity and learning beyond the classroom. Most importantly, it shows children that small actions can have a real, lasting impact on the world around them. 🌱
What To Do
- 1st May – Planting Day
School's will launch National Nature Day in a school assembly where the story is told, the challenge is set (who can grow the biggest sunflower), and the seed and pot are distributed to students.
- Plant at home & grow
Pupils plant their seed at home, water and observe their plant. Taking progress photos along the way. #NationalNatureDay
- Bring it back to school
At the end of term everyone brings back their plant to show off at the 'end of challenge assembly' to see who has grown the biggest plant.
Don't forget to take photos of your progress and tag us on Social Media using our hashtag #NationalNatureDay
Top Tips
- Seed: dwarf sunflower (1 per child)
- Pot: small biodegradable (if possible) pot with hole
- Soil: multipurpose compost
- Planting: finger hole 2–3 cm → drop seed → cover
- Water: light water (spray bottle ideal)
- Where: sunny windowsill
- Routine: water every 2–3 days, rotate pots
- Time: sprouts in 7–10 days
- After ~4 weeks: send home with simple care note