Picture gallery: Great Dunmow families twig the best way to have a great day at bird-watching and nest-building event

It would have taken more than cold weather and the early hour to stop Dunmow families from enjoying a spot of bird watching.

Thirty adults and children flocked to the Riverbank Walk, at St Mary’s Church, armed with binoculars and cameras to see what they could discover.

They spent an hour looking out for the winged animals and they were then treated to a hearty breakfast.

Things took an artier turn in the afternoon when families got to build nests of all sizes as well as creating a medieval hedge!

Artists Jevan Watkins-Jones and Nabil Ali were on hand to lead some of the fun.

Mr Ali said: “It was a very earthy day of using twigs, foliage and all things natural. It was great to see families getting in touch with the environment and producing successful sculptures.”

People aged from 5 to 80 took part in the days events, which was very pleasing for church warden Vera Davies.

She said: “It was wonderful to see so many families visiting the Riverbank Walk in the morning and afternoon and taking part in the workshops in the Church.

“We would like to the Lottery Community Spaces team for awarding us a special grant to fund this day.”