Little Ferns

​​inspiring children to love nature

Creating Little Ferns has been the result of an accumulation of the skills and experiences I've gained as wildlife researcher, teacher, environmental educator and mother. I hope I can help others who are interested in environmental sustainability to inspire their children to connect with and love nature.

I know how time consuming it can be to create resources and devise activities for a topic, particularly if you're not a subject specialist. To find out how I can help you enhance your learning environment visit my Programmes & Resources page.  

​​​i believe that...

Thank you for visiting

Thank you to my family, friends and colleagues who I've worked with at

Auckland Council over the years for their valuable support and advice.

Thank you also to the staff and children at KiNZ Sandringham and Natural Steps Ellerslie for helping me trial my first programmes.

Little Ferns offers a range of services that can be tailored to suit your particular needs. If you'd like some resources created or have a topic you need support with, please do get in touch to see how I can help.

CONTACT ME​

The best way to keep updated ​with my latest news and activity ideas is via Facebook.

My Background

Part-time Working Mum to an adventurous, creative and curious 6 year old

My parenting journey has taken me back to memories of my own childhood when I found wonder and excitement in the simplest (and sometimes smelliest) of things - I once stored a squirrel's tail in my school locker for nearly a month! I still enjoy collecting shells, dead bugs, leaves, pine cones and feathers whilst out exploring Auckland's beautiful beaches and reserves with my family.

Learning Through Experience Educator for Auckland Botanic Gardens and Regional Parks
Over the past 4 years I've taught and contributed to the development of a range of hands-on programmes for primary aged children including: Amazing Adaptations, Create Your Own Garden, Fantastic Forests, Flower Power, Investigating Invertebrates and Seaside Sensational Senses. 

Environmental Education Officer for Rodney District Council
I spent 3 years working with ECE centres and schools helping them achieve their environmental goals e.g. setting up edible gardens and worm farms and monitoring the wildlife in local streams. 

Secondary Science/Biology Teacher, Post Grad Certificate in Education
Having taught in the UK and NZ for 4 years, I am able to provide support and advice for those teaching Biology to Year 7-13 students. All my programmes could be adapted for older children.

BSc(Hons) Biology, MSc Veterinary Mammalogy, Certificate in Organic Horticulture

My studies have taken me to some interesting parts of the world, but one of places I enjoy visiting the most is my garden - there are always lots of discoveries to be made on your doorstep!

Every child should be encouraged to

catch grasshoppers and tadpoles,

hold butterflies and snails,

dig up worms, watch bees,

make mud pies, climb trees, 

splash in puddles, explore rock pools,

eat strawberries, pick beans,

crack conkers, collect pine cones,

build forest huts and plant seeds.

- Nurturing a sense of wonder

is an essential foundation

upon which we can build

our children's future education​.

Sarah Robinson