Choose a patch of ground that looks ordinary, such as the edge of a path, the foot of a tree or a corner of a lawn.
Tie a length of brightly coloured cordage around a tree at eye height.
Choose an area near your home that you already know well.
Gather the learners in a circle and blindfold them, or ask them to close their eyes.
Check the area for poisonous plants, trees, fungi and anything that might cause skin irritation, and highlight these to the group.
Pair up and find a stick.
Lay branches on the ground so they form a simple compass shape.
Before compasses, people used the sun, shadows, tree growth and other landscape features to find their way.
Gather a set of blank cards, such as cut up card or thick paper.
Only ever collect an old, clearly abandoned nest, well outside the breeding season, and never disturb an active nest.