TEENAGERS are invited to learn more about nature with a series of events this winter.

As part of The Nature Tube programme, Durham Wildlife Trust, has organised three interactive mornings over three winter months for youngsters aged 11 years and over, starting on Saturday, October 1, at 10.30am at the Trust’s Low Barns Nature Reserve, near Witton le Wear, in County Durham.

Anne Porter, the Trust’s heart of Durham project officer, said the events were being staged because, although the organisation runs Wild Life Watch for younger wildlife enthusiasts, there is relatively little on offer exclusively for teenagers.

She said: “These themed events are more of a lecture style approach without the lecture. We are aiming to provide more gritty facts that will inspire youngsters so that they may follow up on the morning and encourage them to get more involved with wildlife.

“There are a lot of active wildlife groups in the region but the age profile is on the upper end, which can be quite off-putting for some youngsters. We may not change this but we are hoping we can engender some interest.”

The first of the three sessions is called “If Adders could use Facebook’.

The Facebook page will delve into the life of Adrian Adder, using trending themes to explore seeking that perfect female, how to keep fangs in tip top shape as well as an “adda” forum where adders can speak their mind on burning issues like moorland fires predators and humans.

The second event on November 5, is entitled “Stinkhorn and puffball, Wizard or Fungus” and the final one on December 3 is called “Cat food or earth worm what to give a prickly.”

Ms Porter added: “Our goal for these series of events are to make them interactive and above all fun. These three are just a taster. If they prove popular, we will come up with some more whacky titles that will hopefully spark interest and reach a wider audience. These events are free, but booking is essential.”

For more information and to book call the Trust on 0191-5843112.