NATURE charity the Cheshire Wildlife Trust is bringing back its popular free Forest School club for children to Runcorn this August.

The Scandinavian-inspired scheme gives youngsters a chance to get amongst the wildlife and habitats of Wigg Island community park, whilst learning about bushcraft and survival skills, teamwork and how to create art from the natural environment.

The Forest School will run throughout the first two weeks of August.

Nick Rowles, from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’ve had to battle mother nature in some years, but this summer looks like being a cracker for the Forest School. No better time to get out and about in the wild.

“Wigg Island provides us with a safe, secure and accessible location to introduce youngsters to local wildlife, make new friends, work together and above all, have plenty of fun.

“We’ve been used to making bushcraft shelters to keen the rain off before, but this year it’ll hopefully be about getting in the shade.”

A recent study revealed that just one in five young people now experience the outdoors on a regular basis, compared to more than three-quarters a generation ago.

This limited exercise regime is thought to be behind increases in obesity, diabetes and heart problems amongst today’s children.

Last year, the Cheshire Wildlife Trust worked with Halton Council and the NHS to pilot a ‘natural health service’ scheme for adults across Halton, using nature-based activities such as green volunteering and guided walks as prescribed from local health professionals and GPs.

The Forest School at Wigg Island will take place for from Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8 and Monday , August 11 to Friday, August, 15, with sessions running from 10am to 12.30pm.

All children aged six to 10 are welcome, with adults required to stay for the under eights.

Forest School is operated by Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s CRB-checked, professional Forest School-accredited leaders.

Booking is essential. Please contact Nick at the Wildlife Trust on 01948 820728 or nrowles@cheshirewt.org.uk.

The project is funded from the Heritage Lottery Fund.