Mud squelches under our feet and leaves tickle our faces as we search deep into the woods. Birds are singing in the branches overhead, but we’re looking for dragons!

Deeper and deeper we go, stepping over fallen logs as quietly as possible until we see footprints, and our hearts leap with anticipation — there must be one here!

This was the exciting adventure one February morning for a group of children on a Forest School experience at the BBOWT Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre as they explored the woodlands, on the hunt for the elusive Oxfordshire dragons!

The centre, which is affectionately known as SCEEC, is an intriguing place with paths winding into groups of trees and bushes, tussocky grass, little hills, ponds and bird hides creating a perfect natural environment where children are free to release their imaginations to run riot. Groups of schoolchildren, and the pre-school youngsters who come to Nature Tots activities, enthusiastically recount tales of sharks, leaf pets and pirates, all discovered among the wildness of SCEEC.

Over the last year I’ve had the time of my life helping children to find out that nature is real; it is there to touch, smell, taste (sometimes), listen to and experience fully.

Books and television programmes have their place in education and can open our horizons to a world of nature beyond our back gardens. But, in my opinion, they invite children to simply accept what the writer or presenter is telling them without question. When children come to SCEEC they immerse themselves in the woods, stroking bark and leaves to feel the different rough, smooth, soft and hard textures, and being aware of the different smells and rustling sounds that come from fallen leaves. This engagement of all their senses adds a depth to their adventures that cannot be gained elsewhere, and gives them an extra thrill to their day.

Children learn so much through play and having fun. There aren’t many dragons or sharks at SCEEC, but we do have some fascinating tadpoles, caterpillars and woodlice. It’s these tiny creatures that the children discover all by themselves that create the deepest wonder.

Pond-dipping and bug hunting always produce gasps of amazement and joy. Many of the creatures they find have an unearthly appearance that captures a child’s imagination and creates an enthusiasm for knowledge.

During the school visits and the Nature Tots activities we encourage many other learning experiences through play. Time spent outside is hugely beneficial physically and mentally; learning to take turns with the pond-dipping nets, or carefully replacing the tadpoles in the pond, helps social behaviours as well as developing respect for nature and wildlife.

The exciting and nurturing environment that nature provides is unique and developing a relationship with nature at such a young age is of vital importance to the protection of our wildlife. As children grow, their relationship with nature will evolve and its importance in their lives will remain. A child discovering ladybirds for the first time today could be campaigning for wildlife in a few years’ time.

At SCEEC we offer Nature Tots activities on Wednesdays and Thursdays and two sessions on Saturdays; these are very popular, so please call first on 01235 862024 to book your place. There are outdoor adventure days and family fun events open to the public throughout the year. Visit the what’s on pages on www.bbowt.org.uk for more information. You never know what adventure you will find yourselves on, or the treasures you might discover, but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!