TODDLERS have been convening with nature at a special group designed to make them wildlife lovers of the future.

The Little Saplings group has seen 421 under-fives attend bi-monthly events at nature sites in Pendle and Ribble Valley.

The youngsters spend one-and-a-half hours in the woodlands and learn about ecosystems.

Romy Duckett, who visits Spring Wood near Whalley with her two-year-old daughter, said: “It is great to get out and about in nature, rather than being inside.

“My daughter really enjoys these sessions and I will definitely be booking on for the 2019 sessions.”

Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership’s outdoor learning officer Alison Cross said: “I hope the Little Saplings sessions will spark an early interest in wildlife for the children.

“Hopefully, it will encourage families to explore their local area and learn about nature and how to respect it."

Families can now book their 18 months to five-year-olds onto the 2019 sessions via the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership website.

The next session is Wednesday, January 23.