YOUNGSTERS at a nursery near Shipston have been getting close to nature at their weekly gardening club.

The Preschool and Preschool Plus at Winchcombe Farm Day Nursery, in Upper Tysoe, are being taught how to grow their own fruit and vegetables at the Thursday afternoon class, taught by the nursery’s resident gardener.

Rachel Giorgio, Winchcombe Farm Day Nursery Manager, said: “Contact with the natural world is wonderfully nurturing for children, as they make connections with natural environment, learn about the cyclic nature of the seasons, and begin to find out more about where their food comes from.

“There are a whole myriad of ways in which the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum can be delivered through gardening club such as developing mathematic skills by counting seeds and measuring plant heights.

"It’s also a very good way to get exercise in the great outdoors, learning about fruit and vegetables and also healthy eating.”