Families are enjoying connecting with nature, thanks to a range of activities run by the Earth Trust.

The environmental charity, which is based in Little Wittenham, has a packed programme of events this summer.

This Sunday, there will be an upcycling workshop, when you can have a go at making jewellery and wallets from ‘waste’ and natural materials, and a guided tour around Thrupp Lake by expert Ben Carpenter, who will explain the migrating birds on view and their habitats.

Mum-of-two Lynn Parker, from Little Wittenham, is delighted the trust is on her family’s doorstep.

She took daughters Evie, four, and Rosie, two, to a drop-in event at the centre early last month, where youngsters could meet farm animals, paint with vegetables and do craft events. She said: “We are regular visitors to the Earth Trust centre; we go to lots of the forest school events that they do.”

Evie added: “It was a happy day.

“My favourite bit was making the butterfly.”

Last week, as part of its half-term activities, the Earth Trust held a sensory buggy walk, which saw parents and babies head into the woods for a stroll, picnic and wildlife-themed games.

It gave youngsters the chance to use their senses to learn about the natural world. Activities included spotting flowers and using magnifying glasses to get up close with nature. The group was taken on a walk through the woodlands close to the Earth Trust centre, while stopping for a quick picnic and play along the way.

Lorna Gardner, from Wallingford, took along son Harris, one, and said: “My son loves being outdoors. I am often in the garden with him burning up his extra energy, so it was a good chance for him to burn some of that energy and for me to meet some other mums.

“It gave him the opportunity to do a bit of digging and use the magnifying glass. He really enjoyed it. He had a good nap afterwards, which is always a good sign.”

The next similar event is a ‘woodland adventure’ for five to eight-year-olds on Wednesday, July 22.

The Earth Trust also has a national research woodland – Paradise Wood – which hosts the largest genetic collection of hardwood timber trees in the country and is not normally open to the public. However, it is holding an open evening on Monday, June 15, 6pm-8pm. Earth Trust chief executive Jayne Manley said: “Paradise Wood is a living gene bank and the research we carry out here will help foresters across the UK and Ireland plant the right trees in the right places in the future.”

On May 16, members of the educational charity the Royal Forestry Society came to learn about vital research regarding the protection of national woodlands, which are increasingly threatened by pests, disease and climate change.

Chief executive Simon Lloyd said: “The RFS strongly supports the Earth Trust’s work and has a major role in disseminating the learning emerging from their research so that woodland owners and managers can make better decisions about species selection.”

The Paradise Wood open evening is not suitable for younger children. Booking for this event and the Thrupp Lake birds talk on Sunday is essential – call 01865 407792.

This Sunday’s upcycling workshop at the Earth Trust is a drop-in event and costs £4 children, £5 for adults.

For more information on events and admission fees, see earthtrust.org.uk/Explore/WhatsOn.aspx