POND-dipping, bird-box building and snake egg spotting activities have helped a group of young wildlife enthusiasts scoop a national accolade.

The jam-packed programme enjoyed by the Watch Out Wednesdays group wowed the Wildlife Trusts judges and saw them win the Watch Group of the Year.

The children were presented with a trophy by Professor Graham Martin, chairman of the charity's trustees, as well as received £50 and a certificate signed by vice president Nick Baker.

Children aged between five and eleven years old meet at Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, near Worcester, for an hour and half once a month.

They explained why they enjoyed being part of the award-winning group.

Eight-year-old Anjuna Duke, from Worcester, said: “We don’t like WoW, we love it. It’s learning all about wildlife in a fun way all year long.”

Isabel Faith Jones, also eight and from Droitwich Spa, agreed.

She added: “Our Watch our Wednesdays are so much fun – we get to do so many amazing wildlife activities.

"I’ve learned so much from this group and always look forward to the next meeting.”

Throughout 2013, the children visited poppy fields, cooked worm bread on the campfire as well as got up close with slow-worms, hunted for grasshoppers and made woodland musical instruments.

Heather Bainbridge, one of the group’s leaders commented “We’re so proud.

"We’ve actively explored Worcestershire over the past 12 months and all of the children regularly astonish me with their enthusiasm for wildlife.

“I love being a Watch leader – I can share my passion for wildlife with young people but I also learn so much from the children themselves.”

To find out more about Wildlife Watch and how to get involved visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/for-children or call 01905 754919.