YOUNGSTERS will have a rare chance to study small creatures at close quarters at a new Wiltshire Wildlife club in Chippenham.

Children aged eight to 11 with an interest in wildlife and nature are invited to join the new Watch club which opens its doors on Saturday, when members will find out about humane animal trapping.

The new wildlife Watch group's first meeting will take place at 9.30am at the Jubilee Building, 32 Market Place.

Mark Satinet, the trust's expert on mammals, will give a talk and afterwards youngsters can see if any of the traps set the night before around Baydon's Lane meadow contain any animals.

The event will round off with a mask-making session, which children can take home with them as souvenirs of the day.

Sarah Wood, Wildlife Watch Coordinator said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Chippenham to learn about the environment and wildlife on their doorstep, make new friends and have lots of fun.

"We have some very exciting, hands-on projects for the group including monitoring wildlife - from small, furry animals to wet, slimy fish and creepy crawly mini-beasts; planting trees; making bird boxes and finding out what wildlife used to live in Chippenham millions of years ago.

"So if you like to get a little dirty and are curious about what's going on around you, then come along!"

Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of the trust and is the UK's leading action club for young environmentalists.

Junior members have the opportunity to collect badges in recognition of their involvement with the group and are rewarded with a Gold Award Badge once they have collected eight badges.

Watch groups are run by willing and enthusiastic volunteers who organise the environmental activities.

If you are interested in joining please contact Sarah Wood, Wildlife Watch Coordinator at the trust on (01380) 725670 ext 248.

The Chippenham Watch Group has been set up as part of a Community and Wildlife Project, with support from the Chippenham Borough Lands charity.

The group will meet on the third Saturday of each month.

Baydon's Lane site, owned by the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, will provide the group with an exciting venue for lots of hands-on fun and a building for any wet days.

It has a meadow, a river, hedgerows and a newly planted copse.

Planned activities for the next few months will include stream dipping, tree planting, making bird feeders, a bat walk, sweep netting, craft activities, visits to other local nature reserves and lots more.

The trust has nine other Watch groups around the county and is one of the UK's leading nature conservation charities. With over 16,000 members and supporters, and more than a thousand volunteers, there are plenty working to conserve the Wiltshire countryside and the rich variety of plants and animals that live here.