WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust is being helped by Southern Co-op to encourage families to spend more time outdoors to explore nature.

Money from the carrier bags levy from the shops will be supporting Wildlife Trust projects at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve near Steeple Langford, south of Warminster, and Lower Moor Farm near Malmesbury, which is home to the Clattinger Farm, Oaksey Farm Moor Meadow and Sandpool reserves.

On both reserves, nature clubs for families and young people provide activities such as mud sculpting, investigating animal tracks and signs, and hunting for bugs and butterflies. Derek Gard, the volunteer manager at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our Wildlife Watch groups in Wiltshire provide lots of exciting opportunities for children.”

Last year, the successful My Wild Neighbourhood campaign saw thousands of free Wildlife Trust outdoor activity guides distributed in Southern Co-op stores. This year’s campaign aims to continue to help families get outside and explore wildness in their neighbourhoods.

Jessica Hughes, communications and community engagement manager for Southern Co-op, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Wildlife Trust's work to help families get in touch with nature, because we believe in putting funds back in the communities that helped to raise them.”

Research from polls by Devizes-based trust showed that over 78% of parents are concerned that their children are not spending enough time interacting with nature and wildlife.