NATURE-themed activities and fun days out will be on offer at a wildlife garden this summer.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has announced its Big Wild Summer programme of events in Flatford.

In the big wild summer activity trails, youngsters can help Detective Hoot and Constable Crumbs solve a mystery.

Caroline Horwood, visitor experience manager at RSPB, said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the reserves to discover the wonders of nature at this time of year.

“Summer is a fantastic time to explore the great outdoors and we’ve got some amazing wildlife right here on our doorstep in Essex.

“Migratory birds such as swifts and swallows dart through the air, filling the skies with their songs, while bats and dragonflies are also on the wing.”

Children can also learn about different habitats and wildlife at the reserve, what materials are used to build bird homes, what time of day they are most active and how they hunt for food

At the wildlife garden in Flatford, visitors can toast marshmellows over a campfire, build dens and look for minibeasts.

The self-led detective trail is aimed at children aged 3-11, grown ups can also accompany them

There is no need to book and activity packs are available from the visitor centre costing £3.50 each.

The fun will take place between July and September, for more information visit events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer.