The ‘Wild in the Stour Valley’ event in Sudbury offers opportunities for youngsters to have a go at kayaking, pond dipping, minibeast hunts, arts and crafts and much more besides.

The day of free outdoor activities designed to bring children closer to nature is due to take place in Sudbury this Friday.

After a successful launch last year, this year's event has again been organised by the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in partnership with SVEN, the Stour Valley Education Network.

READ MORE: Storing up seeds to guard against future natural disasters

There will be stands from 18 local organisations and groups including Sudbury Common Lands Charity, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Gainsborough House and the River Stour Trust.

Get close to nature

Other activities will include studying dragonfly larvae in tanks and making balloon-powered boats and natural pendants.

Chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Joint Advisory Committee Nigel Chapman, said the family event is "a great way of encouraging children to get close to nature and enjoy the great outdoors."

He added: "We're so lucky in the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley to have so many organisations offering opportunities for children to get involved with the natural world and outdoor recreation. It's so important for their health and wellbeing and for the future of the planet. They will be the future custodians of the planet so need to learn to love and respect what is around them."

READ MORE: 13 wildlife species in danger of disappearing from East Anglia

The 'Wild in the Stour Valley' event takes place at the Mill Acre Boating Lake, Croft Road in Sudbury from 11am to 4pm on Friday May 31st 2019 and is free to attend with no need to book.