At Dunscar we are keen to get the younger generation excited by nature and gardening. It gets them out into the fresh air, gives free rein to their natural curiosity and fosters a caring attitude. However, it has to be fun. We are thus proud to have found a wide range of products that we feel sure will appeal to kids, ranging from funky gardening tools from Insect Lore, to mini science laboratories to study bugs and pond life and Nick Baker Explorer kits on animal tracking.

However, children need to see quick and defined results if they are to maintain their interest in gardening. We thus recommend vegetable gardening as a fruitful introduction to the joys of nurturing plants. What can be better than eating the results? Even without a vegetable patch children can have fun growing their own vegetables. We even have a wide range of vegetable and flower seeds especially designed for kids. Examples include, Katy Carrot, Tiger Tom, Russell Radish and Slitherin Sam. All are easy to grow and we can provide compost, seed trays, pots and stacks of free advice.

Schools Grow Their Own Soup

At Dunscar we believe in encouraging the younger generations to take in interest in nature, wildlife and gardening. It gets them out into the fresh air, develops a nurturing attitude and offers them an outlet for their natural curiosity. To this end for the past 4 years we have been running a competition with local schools to excite children about the possibilities of growing their own food.

Last year, in order to strengthen the link between gardening and food further, we invited the school children to grow their own soup. Each school grew a selection of herbs and vegetables and we supplied all the materials, plants and advice required. The schools then submitted the resultant produce to our catering staff to turn into a soup. We then invited the children involved to attend a blind “taste off” and judge the best soup. To our surprise every single plate was cleared and most of the children asked for seconds. In the end the children voted as the best soup that made from the produce of Kew Woods Primary School in Southport, with Tarleton Holy Trinity County Primary School very worthy runners up.

Cobble Hey

Hidden away near Garstang, in rural Claughton, is Cobble Hey.

In just eight years, this working farm has become the setting for a beautiful country garden. What was once an area for grazing sheep is now bursting with colour and life.

This large, tranquil garden contains a wide range of natural environments including a cottage garden, woodland, ponds and streams, rockeries and lawns. Sit on the patio and enjoy the peace of the afternoon, or walk through the orchard full of summer fruits; visit the formal parterre with its box and yew hedges or just take in the magnificent views.

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Martin Mere

Wilderness and family-friendliness combine at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. In the winter there are wild ducks, geese and swans in their thousands offering spectacular aerial displays, but year round the centre is home to resident water birds, otters and beavers. There's an imaginative playground for young adventurers as well as attractions such as the (seasonal) duckling nursery.

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