CHILDREN at an Oxfordshire nursery got to grips with nature this week, creating a living sculpture for their garden.

Youngsters from Willow Cottage Nurseries in Farmoor learned to willow weave with parent Andy Goodwin, and built a giant willow whale over two days.

The structure will now be used in the nursery’s outdoor classroom.

Nursery director Valerie Grady said: “Children, staff and parents alike worked hard with Andy at the helm and are now proud owners of a wonderful willow whale.

“We thank Andy for his inspiration, hard work and enthusiasm.”

Willow Goodwin, aged four, said “The leaves have already started to grow.”

James Ashton, four, said: “The whale is huge and we went inside its tummy.”

Diarmuid Curnow, three, said: “We ran through his mouth and out his tail.”

When asked what kind of things they would like to do in the whale, Oliver Pitts, aged four, added: “we can have stories and music time in here.”