Kids Fest to feature children's trail

Dr Emma Lawrence, author and illustrator of the Little Nature Explorers series of books and Vicky Edwards from The Nature Bug both share a passion for wildlife and are keen to encourage children to get outside and explore.

The nature trail at Kidsfest, which is on Saturday and Sunday will help all young visitors and their families to get closer to some of our favourite little creatures and all children who complete the trail receive a free goody bag and a chance to win the star prize in a draw which includes two books, a bug house, catching net, bug viewer and identification guide.

Both Emma and Vicky are aware of the value of nature and reconnecting children to inspire an interest that will last for the rest of their lives.

Contact with nature and the outdoors has been shown to have a positive impact on many areas of a child's life from their education, physical health, emotional wellbeing to their personal and social skills.

The Nature Bug runs classes and workshops and sells toys, books and gifts from its summer house at Heather Brae, Leebotwood.

Dr Emma Lawrence’s first two books in the series, The Worm and Slugs & Snails, will soon be followed by Butterflies which is due to be published in July.

Her detailed illustrations draw children in to a beautiful and fascinating world which is both educational and fun. She is available for school visits and provides interactive workshops which relate to key aspects of the curriculum in art, science and literacy.

There will be more than 150 activities for children aged between 0-14 at Kidsfest which will be held in Shrewsbury's Quarry.

Organisers are hoping that last year's figure of 10,000 attending will be smashed and promise that the event will be the biggest yet.