Youngsters in north Shropshire and south Cheshire can be taken on a magical small animal safari, courtesy of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

The trust, which is based outside Malpas, will hold the 'safari' at its Bickley Hall Farm base on Saturday, September 22 between 8.30am until 1.30pm.

The event, which is suitable for any children over the age of four, will the youngsters spend a morning learning about the small mammals that inhabit the hedgerows and orchard at Bickley Hall Farm.

They will learn how to set and open a Longworth trap which we use to monitor the small mammal populations in Cheshire.

A spokesperson said: "After we have opened all the traps there will be a short classroom session with refreshments provided.

"There will be a prompt 8.30am start to enable us to open the traps and release the small mammals safely.

"This event is suitable for children over four but not for pushchairs. This event will be weather dependant – please provide a contact landline or mobile number [when booking]."

The event is £25 per adult and child prices are based on donations.

Visitors are required to bring suitable footwear and there is no wheelchair access, but there are toilets and a picnic area.

To discover more or to book on, contact Katie Greenwood on 01948 820728 or email kgreenwood@cheshirewt.org.uk

The Trust's reserves provide a refuge for rare species including natterjack toads, great crested newts, the bittern and a wide range of dragonflies and butterflies.

Mammals such as otters and water voles are regularly recorded on their reserves as well as other vital animals.

For more about the work that Cheshire Wildlife Trust do, as well as the numerous events they hold across the county and north up into Merseyside, head to www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/