Teddy Bears Picnic Brings Nature Explorers Summer 2025 to a Joyful Close

Today marked the grand finale of the Nature Explorers Summer 2025 programme, with the much-anticipated Teddy Bears Picnic—a lively, fun-filled three hours in the heart of Harmony Woods.

The afternoon began with an interactive retelling of the classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, brought to life by Amanda from Merry-go-Round Storytelling, with brilliant support from Natalia and Hebe. Excited children joined in the storytelling before crafting their own teddy bear ear headdresses—perfect attire for the day’s adventures.

Ears at the ready, the group set off on a real bear hunt through the woods, following clues until they discovered a very special guest—a teddy bear waiting to join them for a woodland picnic.

After sharing food and laughter beneath the trees, the explorers worked together on a collaborative craft project: a beautiful hanging mobile, now decorating the woodland and marking their shared achievement. The energy carried on with games before winding down for a calm and cosy story time, where Natalia read a Teddy Bears Picnic tale to end the session on a gentle note.

Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to the children, families, dedicated volunteers, and those behind the scenes who made the summer series such a success. “We couldn’t give the children of Andover access to nature without you,” they said.

A special mention went to George Chin, who created the detailed map of Harmony Woods used during today’s bear hunt, as well as in the recent bug hunt and last week’s plant detectives session. The map has quickly become a treasured resource for both leaders and young explorers.

The Teddy Bears Picnic was a fitting end to a summer of discovery, creativity, and connection with nature—memories that will stay with Andover’s young adventurers long after the season closes.