A BRAND new series of exciting outdoor activities for youngsters during the school summer holidays is being planned by the National Trust’s Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard.

The popular attraction on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border is inviting boys and girls aged six to 15 to come along for an adventure on Wednesdays from July 26 to August 23 and learn a range of outdoor skills.

Children can sign up to as many of the Brockhampton Young Rangers Club days as they want and learn bushcraft, fieldcraft, develop their nature awareness and have a go at a number of activities including cooking over a camp fire.

This skills-based club is an introduction to practical competence in the outdoors. It is designed for children who aspire to spend more time in the outdoors and each day will focus on a range of different activities.

Jess Freegard, visitor experience assistant at Brockhampton, said: “We have never done this before but the management team decided to try it to encourage children to get outdoors and be closer to nature.

“We did a taster day in May and we had quite a few people register interest in the club. They came from as far away as Birmingham.

“The youngsters can pick and choose which ones they want to come to. We don’t expect everyone to come for the whole five week because some of them will be going away on holiday for a week or two.”

The group will be able to move from Brockhampton manor house to explore the extensive woodlands including the adventurous Grove Pool and hidden hut deep in the woods.

Young rangers will also be shown how the estate manages its woodlands for trees and wildlife, which is a large part of the conservation work at Brockhampton.

The programme of activities is being run by Bromyard-based Really Rural, which delivers country sports and skills activities, and includes:

• Shelter-building and distress signals

• Survival skills

• Water and fire

• Pond dipping

• Campfire skills and craft cooking

• Trees, plants and animals

• Woodcraft, cordage and weaving

• Nature awareness - camouflage, navigation and tracking, remedies, potions and lotions

Nikki Clarke, from Really Rural, said: “These are days of challenges, skills and adventures for children who love messing about in the woods with sticks, water, mud and fires.”

Children under eight will have to be accompanied by an adult and each day runs from 11am to 4pm. Children are recommended to wear sturdy footwear – no flip flops or sandals – and clothing for all weathers, including a hat. It is also a good idea to take sun cream, drinking water and a snack, although lunch will be provided as part of the day.

For more information and to book places ring Brockhampton Estate on 01885 482077.