CHILDREN and young people are being encouraged to get back to nature and celebrate the local woodland and wildlife.

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood is to host a number of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust activities this month.

The trust is holding an open day with woodland and wildlife themed craft activities on March 22, between 10am and 4pm, at the Education Centre.

Activities include leatherwork, painting and photography, with many stallholders offering demonstrations throughout the day.

There will also be a chance to buy some of these craft items.

Local chainsaw carver Richard Austin will be demonstrating his craft at intervals alongside the more traditional coppice crafts, pole lathe demonstrations, basket making and wood turning.

The event is free to attend, and all proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Trust.

Teenagers are being given the opportunity to learn new skills and improve their wildlife knowledge as the Wildlife Trust starts up a monthly wildlife rangers group from March 29 at the reserve.

It is open to young people aged between 13 and 18 and runs from 10am until 2.30pm on the last Sunday of each month.

They will be able to get their hands dirty with practical conservation tasks while also having the opportunity to take part in activities such as bushcraft and wildlife surveying.

There is no charge but a suggested donation of £4 per person per session is welcomed to help with the running of the group.

For more information about the Wildlife Rangers or the above events call 01425 472760 or email BlashfordLakes@hiwwt .org.uk.