KIDS got hands on with local wildlife during a charity farm open day near Nantwich.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust opened the gates to their 200 acre wildlife-friendly farm for a family fat out in the sunshine last weekend.

Along with taking part in feeding the Hebridean lambs, jumping aboard tractors, 4x4s and quad bikes, visitors had an insight into how the trust’s Bickley Hall farm is managed.

Hundreds of youngsters took part in pond dipping throughout the day, with rare great crested newts, great diving beetles and water boatmen all making their way into the nets.

Country crafts on show included traditional willow weaving to create a giant dragonfly and a chance to toast marshmallows over a bushcraft fire – part of Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Forest School scheme.

Families also lent a hand to build nesting boxes for dormice, one of the species the Trust has been working to bring back to Cheshire in recent years.

A footpath and self-guided wildlife trail around Bickley Hall Farm can be joined from the Sandstone Trail, for more information, visit www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk