Parents and children will be able to download a ‘Wild Child’ activity pack for their local nature reserve. The packs, aimed at children aged 5-10, include a map of a nature reserve, a wildlife spotter sheet with things to look out for on your walk, and a ‘My Wild Walk’ activity sheet to complete with details of where you went and what you saw.

There will be five Wild Child activity packs covering nature reserves across the county; Stocker’s Lake in Rickmansworth, Tring Reservoirs, Purwell Ninesprings near Hitchin, King's Meads in Ware and Thorley Wash near Bishop’s Stortford.

Emma Matthars, Events Officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said: “Over the last year we’ve seen a surge in interest in our work. Throughout the Covid-19 restrictions the Trust has been helping families stay connected with wildlife through our Wild at Home project. Now, as restrictions ease, we want families to be able to continue their wild journey in the local nature reserves and wild places.”

This is the first time a downloadable pack has been made available for families as part of the Trust’s Wild at Home activities. The idea is to encourage families to go out and explore their wild surroundings with the help of activities and downloadable maps.

Julie Greaves, Hertfordshire County Council’s Head of Sustainability said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with Herts Wildlife Trust on this Easter activity for families. We understand the urgency for climate action now and are committed to helping reverse the current 20 per cent decline in wildlife in Hertfordshire.

“By working collaboratively with organisations such as the Herts Wildlife Trust, we can help reduce those numbers and actively engage with families on how they can take positive climate actions whilst enjoying our beautiful green spaces. We are committed to ensuring our communities are future-ready.”

In its Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy, the county council have committed to improving wildlife across the county by 20 per cent by 2050. As part of the actions outlined in its Action Plan, they pledge to work in partnership with institutions, schools, businesses and community groups, to raise awareness and knowledge amongst young people while encouraging wider biodiversity action across the County.