CHILDREN are exploring nature on their doorstep thanks to a £15,000 school wildlife garden.

The garden, at Pendle Primary School, Clitheroe, has taken three years to create -- transforming derelict land.

Lancashire County Council cabinet member for education, County Coun Alan Whittaker, officially opened the garden, which features natural wet areas, log seating, a mini beast area, and a pond which links to a nearby stream and attracts local ducks.

Pupils can now enjoy pond-dipping, observation, and drawing work, as well as using a digital microscope which links to an interactive whiteboard and magnifies live creatures for the whole class to see.

Staff at the Princess Avenue school have received specialist training on how to make the most of the garden as an educational resource.

The £15,000 cost has been covered by the Parents' Association, Small Schools Regeneration fund and the school itself.

Headteacher Margaret Carrington said: "Building the garden has been hard work for a lot of people, but it's a wonderful facility and the staff and pupils absolutely love working in it. The infant class is still thrilled about seeing a magpie and a squirrel fighting there!"