SCHOOLCHILDREN can connect to nature this spring thanks to the RSPB.

The Radipole Lake nature reserve is offering a select number of free school visits this year, with activities on hand so youngsters can experience the great outdoors.

Dan Bartlett, RSPB Radipole Visitor Experience Officer, said: “Connecting children to nature from an early age is vital because they are the future guardians of our natural world. It’s by helping them to develop a love for their local nature as children, that they will then grow into adults who want to help protect our precious wildlife and the places they call home.

“We’re really lucky here at RSPB Radipole to have such a wealth of nature right in the heart of the city, and with some grateful funding from Country Stewardship, we’re able to offer 25 free two-hour school visits up to key-stage 4, to the reserve this spring/summer with free activities to connect children to nature.

“We can accommodate up to 30 children per group, and will provide fun, nature-based activities for them to enjoy, including bug hunting and pond dipping. Our activities fit around the National Curriculum helping children to identify and name a variety of animals and plants. Our friendly Discovery Centre also has space inside and out for school groups to spread out, as well as a toilet, and a range of indoor wet weather activities if the weather lets us down. Coach parking is also available off site.”

Early booking is essential for these visits. To discuss further and to book a place,email weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk, or call 01305 778313.

The two-hour free visits typically take place on a morning with the school group split in half and alternating between pond dipping and bug hunting sessions in the first hour.

The second half of the session is a one-hour walk around the reserve to discover the wildlife that calls it home. Both hour sessions can be self-lead by the school, or possibly supervised by RSPB volunteers, depending on availability.

Sessions can be flexible - if schools prefer a different layout, such as longer pond dipping, bug hunting, or walk, this can be arranged to cater to the group’s preferences.

Schools are advised to bring a packed lunch to enjoy after the session, there is also a small snack bar on site where cakes, savory foods, and drinks can be purchased.