Estimated Time: 30 minutes

As we read, we're not just going on an adventure with Marcus Aquila; we're also stepping into a rich landscape filled with fascinating plants and animals that played a significant role in the lives of people during Roman Britain.

To get a closer look at this natural world, we're going to create a Nature Journal. This activity will not only connect us more deeply with the setting of our story but also awaken our inner artists and scientists. A Nature Journal can be found in the resources, or you can use a sketchpad.

Here's what you need to do:

1. As you read through chapters 1 to 5 of "The Eagle of the Ninth," keep an eye out for mentions of different plants and animals. These could range from towering trees and delicate flowers to wild animals and farm creatures. We have included a list of those we found below.
2. Choose 3-4 plants or animals that capture your interest. If you're lucky enough to live near areas where these plants or animals can be observed, take some time to go outside and see them in their natural habitat. Notice the colors, shapes, and any other details that make them unique.
3. Draw these plants and animals in your Nature Journal or sketchpad. Try to capture as many details as possible. This is your chance to observe like a scientist and create like an artist.
4. Alongside your drawings, jot down any interesting facts you've learned about these plants and animals. How do they contribute to their ecosystem? Were they important to the people living in Roman Britain?

Remember, this activity isn't just about drawing; it's about looking closely at the world around us and appreciating the natural beauty that's often overlooked.

• furze
• thorn-scrub
• toadstools
• martin
• rosebush
• heron
• conch shell
• hawthorn
• hazel
• gum-cistus flower
• thyme
• rosemary
• cyclamen

Show us your drawings in the comments below.