15 Things to Collect on Autumn Walks (and What to Do With Them)
One of the loveliest parts of autumn walks is the little treasures waiting to be found. Nature is abundant this time of year — from glossy conkers to jewel-like berries — and gathering them gives us both joy in the moment and inspiration for cosy, seasonal projects at home.
Here are fifteen simple things you can collect on autumn walks, along with a few ideas for what you can do with each one.
1. Colourful Leaves
- Press them between heavy books to use in crafts or journaling.
- String them together to make an autumn garland.
- Laminate or wax-dip them to preserve their colour.
2. Conkers (Horse Chestnuts)
- Display in bowls or jars as seasonal décor.
- Use them in traditional “conker battles” with kids.
- Try them as natural moth deterrents in drawers (an old folk remedy!).
3. Acorns
- Paint them for autumn crafts or Christmas ornaments.
- Create rustic centrepieces by filling jars or bowls.
- Let children use them for counting or nature play.
4. Pinecones
- Dip them in cinnamon-scented wax to make natural fire starters.
- Use in wreaths or garlands.
- Display in baskets for instant seasonal charm.
5. Rosehips
- Use to make rosehip syrup or tea (packed with vitamin C).
- Dry for use in potpourri.
- Add to autumn table décor.
6. Blackberries
- Bake into crumbles, pies, or muffins.
- Make jam or cordial.
- Freeze to use later in smoothies or desserts.
7. Windfall Apples
- Bake into tarts, cakes, or stewed fruit.
- Slice and dry for snacks or decorations.
- Use in DIY apple stamps for kids’ crafts.
8. Seed Heads & Grasses
- Display in vases for a natural, rustic look.
- Use in dried flower arrangements.
- Scatter in the garden to encourage reseeding.
9. Sunflower Heads
- Harvest seeds for roasting.
- Save seeds to plant next spring.
- Use dried heads in wreaths or arrangements.
10. Twigs & Branches
- Create simple centrepieces in jars or vases.
- Use for DIY autumn wreaths.
- Paint or glitter them for craft projects.
11. Feathers
- Add to nature journals or seasonal altars.
- Use in dreamcatcher crafts.
- Display in little vases for a delicate seasonal touch.
12. Bark & Lichen
- Use as natural fire kindling (if dry).
- Photograph or sketch for creative inspiration.
- Display small pieces in bowls with other finds.
13. Mushrooms (Spotting Only!)
- Take photos of their incredible shapes and colours.
- Sketch them in a nature journal.
- Join a guided fungi walk if you’d like to learn more.
14. Grain & Corn Stalks
- Use for seasonal wreaths or door displays.
- Tie small bundles as rustic décor.
- Dry and keep as autumn table centrepieces.
15. Berries (Hawthorn, Rowan, Elder, etc.)
- Use in natural wreaths or garlands (non-toxic varieties).
- Photograph their colours for seasonal inspiration.
- If safe and edible, try small-batch recipes like elderberry syrup or rowan jelly.
Collecting little treasures on autumn walks helps us slow down and notice the season’s abundance. Whether you use them in crafts, cook with them, or simply enjoy them in a bowl on the table, these simple finds bring the outside in — grounding us in the beauty of autumn.
Throughout the autumn season I will be sharing lots of autumnal inspiration over on Instagram and Pinterest if either of those platforms are your thing. If not there is lots of further autumn content here on the blog if you take a look under the “Seasonal Inspiration” category in the main menu!
Chat soon
Ciara x
Before You Go…
Looking for a little extra inspiration?
Browse our growing collection of free printables, including seasonal calendars, bucket lists, planners, journals and reflection pages designed to help you create a slower, more intentional life.
🍂 Continue Exploring Autumn
Autumn is a season of slowing down, finding comfort in everyday moments, and creating simple rhythms that help us feel grounded. If you’re looking for more gentle inspiration, you’ll find plenty of seasonal ideas, free printables and cosy reads waiting for you below.
Discover the complete collection of free autumn calendars, planners, journals, bucket lists, checklists and seasonal printables designed to help you enjoy a slower, cosier season.
- Autumn Home Reset ChecklistPrepare your home for a cosy, calm and intentional autumn with this gentle autumn home reset checklist. Includes a beautifully illustrated free printable to help you refresh every room and enjoy the season.
- 50 Beautiful Signs Autumn Has ArrivedAutumn rarely arrives overnight. Instead, it quietly reveals itself through cooler mornings, ripening hedgerows, changing light and cosy moments at home. Discover 50 beautiful signs autumn has arrived and download your free Autumn Nature Checklist to help you notice and savour the season.
- The Ultimate Halloween Bucket List: Simple Ways to Celebrate OctoberLooking for gentle, family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween? Discover simple October traditions, cosy seasonal activities and download two beautifully illustrated free Halloween printables.
- September Family Bucket List: 25 Simple Ways to Make the Most of the MonthSeptember marks a gentle return to familiar rhythms. Discover 25 simple ways to enjoy the month as a family, together with a beautifully illustrated free September Family Bucket List printabl
- How to Create a Cosy Autumn KitchenTransform your kitchen into the cosiest room in the house this autumn with simple seasonal touches, comforting routines and a beautifully illustrated free Autumn Meal Planner printable.
Our Little House in the Country
Hi, I’m Ciara — writer, homemaker, and the heart behind Our Little House in the Country. I share slow, seasonal living from our cozy corner of the Irish countryside, where life is a little messy, a little magical, and deeply real. Whether it’s a teen-friendly recipe, a lived-in home moment, or a reminder to let go of perfection, this space is about embracing the everyday and finding joy in what’s already here. Come in, kick off your shoes, and stay a while — the kettle’s always on.
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