CHILDREN are encouraged to develop a love for the natural world this winter.

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Tots groups have returned in various locations across Sussex for November and December.

The outdoor fun is aimed at children from three to five.

Sue Curnock, Nature Tots officer at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “We want to promote an interest in nature from a young age. Nature Tots offers them gentle education about wildlife through fun and games.”

Youngsters will gain confidence through the scheme, which promotes skills in nature through workshops and play.

Sessions this year are themed around the changing of seasons, and will run every day of the week from 10am to 12pm.

Nature Tots also runs a monthly group on Saturdays.

Ms Curnock added: “We will be building dens, making snowy paw print tracks, leaping over leaf mountains and creating tree decorations from natural materials.

“Meanwhile, the adults can watch and warm up with mugs of hot chocolate.

“From making mud monsters to whittling a toasting fork for marshmallows, there is something to suit all children.”

The children will find out about their local wildlife and how to care for it with hands-on activities, designed to build self-esteem and develop social skills and physical co-ordination through successfully completing new challenges.

Children will learn to clamber over fallen trees safely and how to use traditional woodworking tools such as bow saws and drills to make their own wooden spinner or medallion.

The Nature Tots will be at countryside settings across Sussex, including Chesworth Farm in Horsham; Seven Sisters Country Park near Eastbourne; Stanmer Park, Brighton; Tilgate Park, Crawley; Woods Mill nature reserve, Henfield; and Nature Tots’ newest group at Standgrove Woods in Ardingly.

For more details and booking, go to sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturetots or call 01273 492630.