Youngsters are finding out more about the natural world, thanks to Harcourt Arboretum.

It has been running a series of events this summer.

In August, the arboretum in Nuneham Courtenay is holding activities in its “Cool Continents” programme, where families can take a trip around the world without leaving the site.

You can find out all about trees from around the world with a fun trail at the arboretum from August 4-31 and a series of ‘make and take’ craft activities, each based on different continents – North America on Tuesday, August 4, South America on Tuesday, August 11, Asia on Tuesday, August 18, and Europe on Tuesday, August 25.

Events that have already taken place this summer including a “fascination of plants” day on Saturday, May 18, which gave visitors the chance to learn about plants and the insects that live among them.

Stalls staffed by academics from Oxford University gave an insight into the roots of plants and how they produce antibodies, as well as showing how centuries of farming have helped shape the crops we eat.

The arboretum also hosted an arts and crafts session by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and visitors were able to delve into the archives of the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre to find out about leaves.

There was a series of guided tours throughout the day, as well as story-telling about plants and the opening of moth traps to see what was inside.

The arboretum has been owned and run by Oxford University since 1963 and contains some of the oldest redwood tree species in the UK.

It is open throughout the year and current seasonal highlights include bluebells, which staff said are now at their peak.

In addition to flowers and plants, Harcourt Arboretum is also home to peacocks, who have inhabited the 130-acre site for many years. The main entrance of the arborteum is called Peacock Gate.

With the mating season in full swing, the males have been strutting their stuff for female companions.

Every peacock has a distinct pattern of colours and “eyespots” on his plumage, which females – known as peahens – judge when they choose who to mate with.

The Cool Continents craft activities in August are drop-in events held between 1-4pm, with activities designed for children aged four-11, though all ages are welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all time.

Harcourt Arboretum is open throughout the year, Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 11am.

Entrance fees are £4.50, £3 concessions and free for children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult.