A wildlife company founder has shared five ways to help children connect with nature.

In honour of Children's Mental Health Week, which runs from February 3-9, Alex Gill, founder of the Awesome Wildlife Company, has shared ways to help children connect with nature.

The theme of this year's Children's Mental Health Week is "know yourself, grow yourself", with the aim of helping foster mindfulness and self-awareness to help children know who they are and grow themselves through nature-based activities.

Studies have found that if children spend just 60 minutes in nature, their risk of mental health issues is halved.

This is why Mr Gill has pulled together a list of his favourite ways to get children outside.

These include creating a DIY bird feeder, observing local wildlife, exploring parks, gardening, and building a bug hotel.

Mr Gill said: "This year's Children's Mental Health Week theme, 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,' is such a powerful reminder of how small actions can create big changes in children's emotional health.

"At the Awesome Wildlife Company, we're passionate about showing families how connecting with nature - whether it's spotting a butterfly or listening to birdsong - can nurture children's mental well-being in a simple, joyful way."

The company is a family-run business that was founded in 2020.

It was created to "inspire children to connect with nature" and "encourage them to explore the great outdoors".

The company sells a range of products including wildlife books, nature kits, and bird feeders.

For more information about the company, visit the website at awesomewildlife.co.uk.