FAMILIES are being encouraged to discover nature during a six-week course.
Durham County Council is inviting parents to sign up to take part in the John Muir Environmental Award scheme with their children.
The award gives families the chance to explore the great outdoors through games and activities ranging from bark-r
ubbing and den building to creating bat boxes and birds' nests.
Jeanna Osborne, Durham County Council family learning share co-ordinator, said: "Taking part in the John Muir Award gives youngsters and their parents the opportunity to experience and appreciate our countryside, coastline and wildlife.
"It also encourages families to spend time together and get to know one another better."
Sessions take place at sites across the county including Hardwick Park, in Sedgefield and Castle Dene National Nature Reserve in Peterlee.
So far, 25 families have achieved a John Muir Award through the council's family learning team.
Eight people gained a Level 1 Conserving Wildlife and the Local Environment qualification through the Open College Network.
Anyone who is interested in taking part in family learning activities can email Jeanna at jeanna.osborne@durham.gov.uk.
For more information about the John Muir Award visit www.johnmuiraward.org or call Katy Standish on (0191) 3739799.
