Read and Count With Me Under a Tree

It’s as easy as one, two, three!

 

Essex Library Service in partnership with Essex Country Parks, Talk Listen and Cuddle and the Essex Year of Numbers are launching Read and Count with Me Under a Tree book bags.  These will be available to borrow, free of charge, from a number of libraries, Essex Country Parks, Cressing Temple Barns and the Forest School at Danbury.

 

 

What are the Read and Count with Me Under a Tree Book Bags?

Read and Count with Me Under a Tree are special bags containing some lovely picture books to share with your little ones in the great outdoors to encourage literary, numeracy and a love of nature from an early age. Titles include ‘Mad About Minibeasts’ by Giles Andreae and a selection of other outdoor themed stories.

 

The bags contain a ground sheet for you and your children to sit on and lots of activity ideas to try including seasonal spotter’s guides – see what you can spot and count how many of each!

 

The bags can be borrowed to use in the Essex Country Parks and from libraries to use in your local green space.

 

 

How do I borrow a ‘Read and Count with Me Under a Tree’ book bag?

To borrow a bag from the library to use in your local green space, you can check if your local library has one in stock, or reserve one to be sent to a library of your choice.

 

For the seven Essex Country Parks and Cressing Temple head to the café or Ranger’s Office and ask to borrow one of the sets. Bags can be borrowed at Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald (subject to staff and availability).

 

Look out for the honesty 'borrow bins' outside the Kiosk at Cudmore and the refreshment van at Great Notley.

 

You can also enjoy the book bags during Wild Wednesdays and Forest School sessions at Danbury Country Park.

 

 

What do I do to return the bag?

When you’ve finished enjoying the books and activities, please check all the contents are there, scan the QR card to give us your feedback and then return it. At staffed return points you will receive a free sticker, whilst stocks last.

 

Everyone who completes the survey and leaves their contact details will be entered into a prize draw that will take place every six months to win a free Explorer pass (terms and conditions apply, read the terms and conditions here)

 

These activities and borrow bags are provided to you by Essex Library Service, Essex Country Parks and Talk Listen and Cuddle and are part of the Essex Year of Reading and funded by Essex Year of Numbers.