FUNDS are needed to help connect young people in Dorset with nature.

The Dorset Forest School (DFS), based near Dorchester, helps children to experience natural environments.

Jill Hooper, of the DFS, said: “In a world which is becoming increasingly virtual, Dorset Forest School strives to connect young people with nature through hands on inspirational learning in Dorset's beautiful countryside. “Creating adventures and igniting curiosity, our sessions are designed to build self-esteem, co-operation and communication skills, whilst sewing seeds of stewardship of our natural environment.”

The Do It for Dorset campaign is a joint initiative between the Dorset Echo and the Dorset Community Foundation – a registered charity dedicated to promoting charitable giving and grant making for charities and community groups across the county.

The foundation works with secret millionaires, family businesses and companies who want to give back to their community.

Do It for Dorset aims to raise awareness and funds for charities signed up to localgiving.com.

The DFS helps mainly children from poor areas and those with inclusion challenges.

Surplus funding donated to the group will be ploughed into these poorly funded areas and buy and planting a new woodland for educational use.

The school hopes to get families engaged with nature and improve their wellbeing.