CHILDREN are being invited to take part in a special course in the great outdoors.

Nature For All's Forest Skills After School Course is set in a woodland environment and gives children the chance to learn about the natural world.

And organisers say it will also boost their confidence and help them to develop their own independence.

The course has been launched at Mountford Manor Primary School.

Sessions, which start on June 6 and run for six weeks, will offer a chance to learn a wide range of practical bush-craft skills, including shelter building, firelighting and knot tying, along with nature conservation, arts and crafts.

Johannah Fawthrop, Nature For All's community liaison officer, said: "We want 20 children to come along and join in the club.

"It offers children the chance to learn more about the environment and at the same time to have fun while they can increase their self-confidence and independence."

Anyone aged nine to 11 is welcome to join in the course which will be held at Coate Water every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 6pm and Stanton Park every Thursday from 4.30pm to 6pm.

The course costs £104.80, or £73.40 for Swindon Card holders.

To book call the Link Centre on 01793 445566 and for more information visit www.swindon.gov.uk/rangerevents.