This activity challenges you to collect leaves, nuts, seeds and other objects from the natural world in your discovery bag, and try to identify them by comparing colour, shape and feel.
What objects will you put in your discovery bag?
Try to use objects that have a very distinctive shape or feel, but avoid anything sharp. You could use:
A, B, C, D and E – seeds and nuts
There are many shapes, sizes and textures of seeds and nuts. Avoid those that are sharp or prickly.
F – fruits
Try fruits such as figs, apples and cherries. Make sure they aren't too ripe and soft!
G – leaves
Try to find leaves with varying shapes and colours.
H – lichen
Look for lichens on fallen twigs or pieces of bark that have dropped from the tree.
I – bark
Try finding barks with very different textures.
Need help to identify what's in your bag?
OPAL tree ID guide and poster (PDF, 2.4MB) – a simple guide to common trees, including their seeds
Tree gallery – a photo gallery of common trees and their leaves
OPAL lichen guide – a simple photographic guide to common British lichens
Tree identification key – an interactive key on the Natural History Museum website
Activity sheets

Bark art (PDF, 164KB) – Use crayons to explore the patterns of different bark.
Story stick (PDF, 400KB)– Create a unique nature story with what you find.
Natural colours (PDF, 432KB) – Look for colours in nature and design your own picture
More free activities
OPAL Kids Zone – a host of nature games, quizzes and activity sheets for youngsters
Nature Detectives – activities, guides and educational games developed by the Woodland Trust