IN need of outdoor activities to keep children occupied over the summer holidays?

Cwmcarn Forest is already well under way with their summer events and there are plenty more to come. Here is a run-down of some of the activities on offer;

Saturday, July 30

Today forest staff are holding a recycled wind chime workshop - an exciting new children’s workshop where they can create colourful wind chimes for your garden made from natural materials and craft items and all inspired by nature. The session will run from 10.30am until 3.15pm and is suitable for children aged four and upwards. Tickets cost £3.50 per child.

Wednesday, August 3, 10, 17 and 24

Each Wednesday throughout August Cwmcarn Forest will host mini and junior rangers club. Children can join the warden in creating gardens and habitats for the insects and animals as well as a range of other fun activities. Mini rangers is suitable for ages four to six and runs from 10am to 11am while junior rangers is for children aged seven to 11 and runs from 1pm to 3pm.

Friday, August 5

Have you ever wanted to have your dinner with bats? On the first Friday in August, Cwmcarn Forest has organised an adventure through the valley in search of these secretive creatures. Starting at the visitors centre at 7.30pm, adults and children ages eight and upwards can enjoy a light supper before embarking on their journey. Adult tickets cost £7 and children £4.50.

Tuesday, August 9

The Hedgehog Rescue Centre will be visiting the forest for an event called A Prickly Affair to teach visitors about the nocturnal behaviour of hedgehogs. Adults and children aged four and over are invited to spend the afternoon from12pm until 4pm learning about the prickly little creatures. There are four sessions available throughout the day. Tickets will cost £2 per adult and £1 per child.

Thursday, August 11

For all budding gardeners and flower enthusiasts, staff at the forest will be taking visitors on a stroll around the valley looking closely at the flowers which blossom there while learning how we have used them throughout centuries. The event is called Flower Meanderings and smaller walkers can create a colourful journey card whilst on route. Upon their return, visitors can relax at the Ravens café with a hot drink and a biscuit. The activity is open to all ages and costs £4 per adult and £2.50 per child.

Friday, August 12

Join Cwmcarn Forest for another of its 'upcycling' events and create a hedgehog planter using recyclable materials. On Friday, August 12, Upcycled Hedgehog Planters invites children to get creative and build a unique planter from a one litre, clean pop bottle. Prepare to get messy with compost and seeds. The activity will be held at 10am until 2.15pm and costs £2.50 per child ages 4 years and over. Staff are asking parents to please remember to pack a one litre empty bottle to take part in the activity.

Monday, August 15

Floral Sun Catchers Planters session will be adding a splash of colour to Cwmcarn Forest. The workshop will allow your child to create and decorate their own sun catcher using flowers gathered from their surroundings. The activity will start at 10am and run through to 2.15pm with a cost of £3 per child. Please note they will be using a hot iron during this activity, but with strict adult supervision.

Thursday, August 18

Cwmcarn forest say it’s going to get messy at their Flower Power Seed Bombs workshop. From 10am to 12.45pm children will be getting their hands dirty with clay, compost and seeds in order to create their seed bombs. The activity will cost £4.50 per child aged four and over, please bring an empty egg box to complete the workshop.

Thursday, August 25

Do your children have a creative and imaginative flair? With Clay Birdies Workshop, they can get stuck in and make their own little bird out of clay. There will also be the opportunity to decorate it with glitter, paints and other crafts. The workshop will be held from 10.30am until 3.15pm and costs £4 per child over the age of four.

Booking is advisable for each of the activities on offer. If you would like further information about any of the holiday events or if you would like to book a place, please contact Cwmcarn Forest on 01495 272001 or visit the website www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk.