CHILDREN at a Knutsford nursery have become little eco-warriors after noticing their outdoor forest school classroom had become awash with litter.

The Wombles of Knutsford Heath, who all go to Poppies Nursery on Sugar Pitt Lane, have been making the outdoor space a magical place to explore once again after spending time picking litter this week.

Leann Banks, Deputy Manager at the nursery said: "With its many magical places to explore, The Heath, just a few minutes toddle down their quiet lane, is a giant outdoor classroom for Poppies children.

"Spending much of their time there has clearly inspired a love of nature.

"However, the children noticed recently that other users had dropped litter in some of their favourite spots.

"They felt that it looked horrible, that animals could be hurt, and the trees could be damaged."

Knutsford Guardian: The children use the Heath as an outdoor classroom for Forest School.

The children use the Heath as an outdoor classroom for Forest School.

The nursery decided to do something about it and after getting the approval of Friends of the Heath, the children and parents used litter pickers loaned from Knutsford Town Council and collected nine bags of litter.

Leann added: "Poppies little Wombles had great eyes for spotting rubbish and the litter pickers challenged their fine motor skills.

"The children were excited to join in, and super delighted with the results.

"They could be Knutsford’s youngest litter pickers."

One Poppies Parent said" "My child is a great advocate for keeping environments clean and tidy and loved getting involved in litter picking.

"I think The Heath is a true asset to Knutsford and this idea may encourage others to keep it clean."

One of the children added: "Forest school is my favourite thing to do on the Heath as we build nests for the birds to keep them warm and cosy and we also built a bug hotel which I showed to my mummy."

Knutsford Guardian: The children use the Heath as an outdoor classroom for Forest School.

The children use the Heath as an outdoor classroom for Forest School.

Kevin Griffiths, from Friends of the Heath, said: "I believe children should gain appreciation of nature from an early age and Knutsford Heath provides just the place for them to do that.

"The Heath is a Common in the middle of Knutsford, it is a nature reserve, making it the perfect place to learn about nature.

"It uniquely includes three habitats in one location: grassland, heathland, and woodland."