Get close to nature.

YOU don't have to travel far this Easter to get close to nature - Brandon Marsh is right on your doorstep.

The 200-acre nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is in Brandon Lane, on the outskirts of Coventry.

Once an active sand and gravel quarry, the site is now a tranquil series of pools and wetlands, with nature trails and five bird hides. Depending on the time of your visit you could see migrating waders, breeding warblers or year-round residents like kingfisher, coot or moorhen.

Your visit to Brandon Marsh Nature Centre starts at the visitor centre, opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1998. It has displays, hands-on activities and information about the nature reserve, as well as a tearoom and shop.

This Easter, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre will be holding Wildlife Workshops for youngsters aged four to 11. Parents must accompany four to sevenyear-olds at all times and are welcome to accompany older children during activities. Each workshop costs pounds 4 per child (pounds 3 for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust members) and must be booked on 024 7630 2912.

WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS: Friday, April 10 - Easter Egg Hunt, 10.30am until noon.

Monday, April 13 - Easter True or False, 10.30am until noon..

Learn some amazing facts as you walk around the nature reserve.

Try your hand at some Easter crafts.

Tuesday, April 14 - Rainy Survival, 10.30am until noon and 1pm to 2.30pm. Make a rain maker, then see if you can build a shelter to keep dry.

Wednesday, April 15 - Brilliant Birds, 10.30am until noon.

There will also be pond-dipping sessions on Thursday, April 16.

These cost pounds 1.50 per child for half an hour of pond-dipping, anytime between 10.30am and noon.

For further details on the Wildlife Workshops contact the education team on 024 7630 8977 and for more information on Brandon Marsh call the visitor centre hotline on 024 7630 8999..

CAPTION(S):

HANDS-ON FUN... These boys are hunting up wildlife - in this case snails - at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre. There is a week's worth of activities to keep children occupied during the Easter break, including an Easter egg hunt, nature facts, rainy survival, brilliant birds and pond dipping.