The clocks going forward means we're officially entering British Summer Time, although it might not feel like it just yet! Doing this means that there’s more daylight in the evenings and less in the mornings (sometimes called Daylight Saving Time). The idea started in WW1, with the German government in 1916 starting the first clock change in order to conserve energy use as the longer the daytime hours lasted, the less electricity they needed to use. The clocks change on Saturday night, early Sunday morning, to ensure that businesses, schools, and other areas of life aren't too heavily impacted.
The extra daylight can cause havoc for our body clocks, as they struggle to adjust to the lost hour of sleep, but once your body has adjusted the extra daylight has proved to do wonders for our physical and mental health. If you're looking to make the most of the extra hours awake, then check out our top activities to make the most of Daylight Savings below!
Our 8 Ideas to Make the Most of Daylight Savings are:
- Seasonal Fresh Flower Bouquet Workshop
- Wildlife Photography Workshop in Richmond Park
- Spoon Carving Workshop
- Hatha Yoga Class
- Evening Mosaic Course - Direct Method
- South Bank Travel Photography Workshop
- Terrarium Workshop
- Mindful Forage and Wild Plant Workshop
Seasonal Fresh Flower Bouquet Workshop
Location: London | Price: £65pp
With this workshop from Stems Rebellion, you can bring some colour and greenery into your home to reflect the increased daylight! You'll be able to make your own seasonal bouquet of flowers to take home and liven up your space.
You will be given plenty of insider advice on how and where to buy for all of your flower needs, as well as be educated in the art of floristry and learn the skills necessary to produce high-quality floral designs and decorations. Then you can take both your lovely bouquet and your new abilities home with you, where you can continue to practise and admire your new creations throughout the season.
Wildlife Photography Workshop in Richmond Park
Location: Richmond Park, London | Price: £99
Make the most of the extra evening daylight and learn to capture nature's beauty in this workshop from professional photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis! In this 3-hour class, you'll get to explore the beauty of Richmond Park at sunset whilst learning how to capture everything the park has to offer; from Red and Fallow deer, to Silver Birch Tree copses, lone Oak Trees, ferns and lakes.
Alongside soaking in the British nature, Matthew will teach you all the techniques you need to capture the best wildlife photos possible! From composition, to making the most of available light, to photographing wildlife respectfully, Matthew will help teach you the mindset needed to capture pictures in the later golden hour glow.
Book now on ObbySpoon Carving Workshop
Location: Woolwich | Price: £80pp
Get outdoors in the extra daylight with this Spoon Carving Workshop by Creative Nature HQ! A collective of artists, makers, and designers who believe each of us are all inherently creative. They specialise in five disciplines: to draw, carve, build, weave and cast.
In this workshop will walk you through how to take green wood - freshly cut with a high moisture content - and turn it into a handcrafted spoon you can take home with you and use! You'll use an axe, knife, and crook knife, under supervision of course, to help you create your new piece of cutlery.
Book now on ObbyHatha Yoga
Location: Stockport | Price: £8pp
Make the most of the evening light with this evening class every Friday from Bendyoga! Running every Friday from 6pm until 7:30pm, Hatha yoga combines yoga postures with breathing exercises and meditation; designed to improve strength and flexibility. The meditation section is followed by a final relaxation, which helps everyone to relax their mind before leaving for the weekend.
Yoga and meditation has been celebrated for its ability to help reduce stress and maintain a positive wellbeing both physically and mentally, perfect for helping with the transition from Daylight Savings Time to British Summer Time. As well as this, the extra daylight at the end of the day will help your Friday feel longer after you finish your workout!
Book now on ObbyEvening Mosaic Course - Direct Method
Location: Holborn, London | Price: £100pp
Make the most of the longer evenings with this 4-class evening course from London School of Mosaic where you'll learn the ins and outs of the Direct Method of Mosaic creation! Over the 4 sessions, you'll learn how to use mosaic tools and material for creating your piece of art.
You will create a small piece of 15 x 15cm mosaic using the Direct technique. The course includes all materials and wooden frame, with designs provided by your tutor - although if you'd like to bring your own design you can agree on something with your tutor beforehand.
Book now on ObbySouth Bank Travel Photography Workshop
Location: Southbank, London | Price: £130pp
Make the most of the extra daylight with this Southbank Travel Photography Workshop, perfect if you have a getaway coming up as we move into the Spring and Summer!
Run by Lou, of London Photo Tours and Workshops, you'll get to photograph the vibrant and buzzing nature of London's South Bank; with street entertainers, musicians, skate boarders, market stalls, iconic architecture and outstanding river views it has lots to offer to the photographic eye! Learn how to get the best out of your camera and use the learning at any destination you travel to in the future, both within the U.K. and abroad!
Book now on ObbyTerrarium Masterclass
Location: Coal Drops Yard, London | Price: from £68
If you're looking to welcome in the extra hours and the Springtime with nature, then this masterclass from the Botanical Boys is a perfect, low-maintenance way to do so.
Terrariums are a miniature environment of living plants which thrive off moisture. As they are self-sustaining, they're a great way to connect with the Earth; even if you've not been blessed with the gift of green thumbs!
In the masterclass, you'll learn the history of terrariums, before jumping into building your mini environment where you'll learn: layering and planting techniques, watering techniques, and aftercare for your new garden so it'll last long into the rest of 2022.
Book now on ObbyMindful Forage and Wild Plant Workshop
Location: Hampstead, Greater London | Price: £50pp
This Mindful Foraging and Wild Plant Workshop with Tamara Colchester will help you reconnect with the UK's native flora during the British Summer Time. Using your senses to identify approximately 15 wild edible plants and flowers, depending on the season, that supply us with both food and medicine!
The mindful foraging walk will guarantee that everyone feels comfortable naming and identifying each plant they come across, as well as how to best prepare them. With the walk ending with tea and cakes on the Heath with some of the plants we've collected together.
Book now on ObbyNeed more advice?
Hopefully, these ideas on how to get the most out of the longer daylight hours in Spring 2022 have helped you! If you're still stuck for the perfect class for you, be sure to take a read of some of our other amazing guides and best round-ups below. We're sure you'll find something useful, oh - and don't forget to share the love.