YOUNGSTERS taking part in an environmental play scheme had a "wild" time in Philips Park, Whitefield.

Inspecting insects, monitoring mammals and probing ponds in the park were all part of the activities featured on the summer scheme organised by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

Aimed at children aged eight to 12, the sessions run from 10am to 4pm each day (except Mondays) until Friday, August 31, and have been helped along with funding from Bury Council.

And pictured in the picturesque "willow tunnel" during the event is Freya Macfarlane (10), of Whittingham Drive, Ramsbottom.

Each week has a different theme covering subjects such as insects, ponds, birdwatching and woodlands, and there is a chance for the young environmentalists to try their hand at pond-dipping, willow weaving and other traditional woodland crafts.

When our photographer caught up with the group, they had just spent the morning studying pondlife and were in the throws of making their own pond theatre.

Play scheme co-ordinator, Heather Ramsay, said: "By using garden canes, coloured cellophane, and lots of imagination, the children are able to create a dramatic scene based on something that lives in a park pond.

"The scheme has been a roaring success and was booked up very early. I'm really pleased with the response."

The course has a large reserve list but for details of future BTCV events contact the Barn Countryside Centre on 796 6404.