A NEW parent and toddler session will start this spring in the Growing Our Future garden at Okehampton College.

Shanti Smallwood and Annkatrin Hendry, who will be starting the group are both experienced in gardening and teaching young children, having previously worked at Highampton Pre-School and Chagford Montessori.

Their aim is to provide a space for parents with young children to be outside, enjoying and exploring the natural world together.

They believe that children are all too often unable to experience the world they live in first hand and through all their senses and that developing a caring relationship towards nature and the environment starts with formative impressions at this young age.

Parents will have a chance to chat and enjoy a cup of tea.

There will be space to play, with gardening and woodland craft activities.

The sessions will be held outside whatever the weather.?Some children's waterproofs will be available but grown-ups must bring their own — Shanti and Annkatrin believe getting a bit muddy now and then is part of the fun.

Shanti said: 'We really hope to attract people who would like to spend more time outside, but maybe don't have a garden, or haven't got much experience or confidence of what to play with their children outside in nature.

'It is so much easier when you can share ideas with other parents, to play with natural materials is a skill for life.

'I work with Year 7 children — 11-12 year olds — at the college and am amazed at their attitude to simple things like worms or touching earth with their hands. I can't help thinking they have missed out a stage in their development .'

It is hoped the Forest Garden Toddler Group will start after Easter and be held on Fridays from 10am to noon.

The project is funded by a grant from Awards for All, part of the Big Lottery Fund.

For more information contact Shanti Smallwood on 07814 367964.