Fresh air, fun and learning has proved to be the recipe for success for Wellington’s Little Explorers.

The ‘getset’ team from Wellington Children’s Centre runs a host of weekly activities in the town for local families to enjoy with their children.

And the Little Explorers group, based on the Outdoor PEEP Programme, meets weekly to enjoy a host of activities in the great outdoors.

Family support worker and group leader Marion Vincent said: “Our evidence-based ‘learning together’ programme supports all parents to create the best start for their children by making the most of everyday outdoor learning opportunities – listening, talking, risky play in a safe environment, singing, sharing stories about nature and animals, spending time with their parents and carers in these ways helps children become confident communicators and active learners.”

The success of Little Explorers is now spreading to West Somerset, providing more children and families with the opportunity to enjoy this ‘outdoor learning activity group’.

The aim of the group is for children to embrace their natural surroundings and teach them the beauty of nature.

With the changing seasons there are so many new and exciting things to discover and, over the past months, the group has enjoyed tending and growing a variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Its efforts were recently acknowledged and rewarded with a ‘special award’ from the Wellington in Bloom committee and the group is now set to be busier than ever.

Due to the high level of interest in this activity Wellington Children’s Centre has now secured its own allotment for families and their children to enjoy

Marion Vincent and Emma Rowlandson, a community volunteer for the centre, have successfully run the group throughout the summer.

Emma said: “We thoroughly enjoy spending time with our group and have so much pleasure watching our the children and families work together gardening, chatting and having fun.”

Marion added: “The children learn so much while all the time having so much fun. Gardening together not only expands on their social skills but teaches them that if you look after something, it can grow and flourish.”