FAMILIES are being encouraged to shake off the lockdown blues and connect with nature this summer.

Local Integrated Children’s Centre, The Venture, is inviting people to come and shake off their lockdown blues at a free planting session taking part on Saturday June 5, as part of a UK-wide “Have A Grow Day” celebration launched by charity Social Farms and Gardens and sponsored by Nature’s Path.

Visitors will be able to attend the event on the adventure playground in Wrexham which will be open from 12 to 1pm – the playground will also remain open for their usual open-access play session until 6:30pm.

All activities will be taking place outdoors and visitors will be asked to observe all current Welsh Government social-distancing guidelines.

The event is taking place thanks to the support of the Wrexham Green Infrastructure Project, led by Jacinta Challinor, and the Wildlife Trust of northern Wales. It also marks the beginning of a longer-term project to transform sections of the adventure playground to grow food to eat and to create a space for well-being and forest school activities.

Chris Blythe, Director at SF&G, said: "It’s been a very tough 12 months for all of us, and our members have pulled out all the stops to support their local communities.

"We’re all even more aware now of how good for us spending time in nature is, and Have a Grow Day is a brilliant way to get outdoors, visit somewhere new, and learn some new skills at the same time.

"We can’t wait to see all the different events happening around the country that celebrate and showcase just how amazing SF&G members really are."

The event will also be part of The Venture’s celebrations for Volunteers’ Week, taking place across the UK from June 1-7. The theme for this year’s Volunteers Week is “Time To Say Thanks” and Saturday is dedicated to Environment and conservation volunteering (in recognition of World Environment Day and Wales Nature Week, 29 May – 6 June).

Siôn Edwards, Communications Manager at The Venture, added: "Working with the Wrexham Green Infrastructure Project and the Wildlife Trust for northern Wales has been an absolute pleasure – Jacinta and Iwan are just as passionate about the environment and wonderful life it harbours as we are about children and young people and their right to play.

"Whether it’s planting or playing, our Have A Grow Day is the perfect opportunity to get dirty."

To take part you can just turn up on the day but if you want to help make the day a success, or would like to volunteer in the green spaces at The Venture and surrounding areas, contact sedwards@the-venture.co.uk or 07508822309.