YOUNGSTERS will be encouraging wild birds to thrive thanks to nest box decorating events at Webbs garden centre in Wychbold.

The hands-on half term workshops coincide with National Nest Box Week which aims to encourage everyone to put up nest boxes in their area to help breeding birds and wildlife.

Children can visit Webbs and decorate a wooden nest box then take it home for the garden from Monday, February 17 and Friday, February 21.

The sessions run from 11am to 4pm and cost £4.99 to include all materials. There is also a chance for families to follow a fun trail around the beautiful Riverside Gardens at the centre. Entry to the gardens is free and all correct trail entries will go into a draw to win a prize. The trail is open from 11am to 4pm.

Professor Pepperpot will be entertaining youngsters with his balloons and jokes each day and there is also the chance to have fantasy faces painted and children’s fair rides for a small charge.

Webbs chairman Ed Webb said: “It’s a great time to remind ourselves to encourage our local bird life and children will love decorating these ready-made nest boxes.

“The natural nest sites on which many of our bird species depend, such as holes in trees and buildings, are fast disappearing as gardens and woods are tidied and old houses are repaired. This is just one small way of helping to ensure we are doing all we can to help our bird population.”

Tickets for the activities can be bought in store on the day. For more information visit webbs.co.uk