Go Wild for family fun at RHS Hampton Court

There are also all sorts of weekend gardening activities to enjoy at The Mini Gardeners Club. Make your own wildflower seed bombs; sow delicious micro-greens; turn over a new leaf at the amazing outdoor library; or dig into a soil science pit filled with bugs and nutrients.

The RHS has partnered with Aardman to create a series of fun activities perfect for pint-sized adventurers and their grown-ups. Pick up your family activity leaflet at the Ditton or Long Water entrances and join the loveable Lloyd B Fly on a journey of exploration, craft and calm, as you get your hands mucky and learn take-home tips to make your own garden more mini beast-friendly.

The Circle of Life, by Alton Infant School

Using features that can be found in the school grounds, this design focuses on the essentials that living creatures need to survive: food, water and shelter. In this diverse environment, everything plays its own important part.

What the Ladybird Heard, by Colnbrook School, Watford

Based on the much-loved kids’ picture book by Julia Donaldson, this design was developed along the main themes and ideas of the story.

Bougie Bug Barrel Motel, by East London Independent School

Created by 8-20-year-old students at this Special Educational Needs school, this barrel includes a hoverfly breeding pond and a log mini-beast habitat incorporating bee hotels.

A Castle That Cares, by Fairfield Park Lower School

Nature’s beautiful pollination cycle is the focus: plants attract pollinators; pollinators help more plants to grow; then plants also boost our wellbeing and we, in turn, nurture the plants, bees, butterflies and bugs.

Harmonious Harvest, by Ferrars Junior School

On a theme of sustainability, the children chose pollinator-friendly plants that provide edible elements for other wildlife. The result: a harmonious haven for insects and birds.

High Rise Habitat, by Hampton High Secondary School

Showcasing the different ways in which a space can support a wide range of wildlife, this design champions dead and decaying matter as a crucial supporter of biodiversity, in particular solitary bees and stag beetles.

A Loveliness of Ladybirds, by Heath Farm School, Charing Heath

The students of this Social, Emotional and Mental Health School designed a ladybird paradise, providing all these creatures need to complete their lifecycle, while also attracting other pollinators and insects.

The Pollinator Tea Party, by Knaphill Lower School

Children aged 4–7 borrowed themes from Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – in particular the Mad Hatter’s tea party – for this playful design that highlights the importance of flower power and catering for vital pollinators.

Out of the Woods, by Pipers Corner School

Taking inspiration from the nearby Chiltern Hills woodlands, pupils aged 7–11 have created a special bug house for the creatures that live in these magical ancient forests.

Bog Baby Barrel of Life, by Malvern Way Infant School

This mini pond and bog garden creates an attractive natural habitat for amphibians, insects and water-loving plants, which, in turn, will play their part in the wider food chain.

Hedgehog Heaven, by Meadow Park Academy

Designed by 7–8-year-olds, this hedgehog-friendly creation features a fence with a hedgehog arch to divide neighbouring gardens, long grass mixed with wildflowers for safe passage and a pond with a ramp to allow our prickly friends to climb out.

Grasshopper Green, Green Grass Garden, by Northfields School Gardening Club

The Year 2 Gardening Club have a shared fascination for grasshoppers. They love seeing them in the school grounds and wanted to learn about their habitat and lifecycle by creating this brilliant Bug Barrel. At its heart is biodiversity, and saving grasshoppers and other bugs.

Our Little Urban Wildlife Garden, by Stillness Infant School

A glorious miniature version of their much loved school wildlife garden, it contains two trees, flowerbeds, wormery, bug hotel, log piles, pond and a mud kitchen.

Butterfly Haven, by Shawley Community Primary Academy Trust

Planted with marigolds, echinacea, cosmos and buddleia, this barrel contains a butterfly fruit feeding area, with recyclable plastic bottle butterflies decorating the design.

Mermaid of Hope, by St Nicolas C Of E Primary School, Downderry

Sitting atop a bug hotel, Mermaid of Hope is made of waste washed up on the beach near the school. She provides an airy home for self-seeded plants that spread along local cliffs, while the planting offers valuable pollen.