Children up close to critters!

CHILDREN used their half term to explore the tiny world of insects at Hatfield Forest on Friday afternoon. Bugs and Slugs, hosted by the park rangers, was an educational and fun session designed to give youngsters hands-on experience of handling snails, s

CHILDREN used their half term to explore the tiny world of insects at Hatfield Forest on Friday afternoon.

Bugs and Slugs, hosted by the park rangers, was an educational and fun session designed to give youngsters hands-on experience of handling snails, spiders, beetles, ants and all sorts of other creepy crawlies.

Forest ranger Laura Slater said: "It was really great. The children got the chance to get all grubby as well as learn something.

"Plenty of families turned up, but some of the parents were less enthusiastic than the children about getting involved - I think that is understandable!"

Hatfield Forest is a medieval woodland, park and lake, with caf� facilities, situated near Takeley. It can be visited all year around and is open from dawn until dusk.