A WOODLAND toddler group’s nomination for a national award is the 'icing on the cake’ after a successful first seven months.

Tots in the Woods has been nominated for the Best Local Activity in the Under five category at the What’s On 4 Junior Awards.

The group, set up in September last year, runs six outdoor toddler sessions every week at Black Park Country Park in Black Park Road, Wexham.

Steve Sutherland, founder and Forest School leader, said: “We’re both amazed and flattered to have been nominated for this prestigious award.

“We’ve had a fantastic time playing and learning in the woods since we launched last September, and to be recognised in this way is the icing on the cake.

“We started with one day and three sessions in September, and it proved very popular immediately with local families, so we started doing a second day and we now run three sessions on both days.” The sessions are run from a purpose-built bushcraft camp in the country park, and activities are centred around a Forest School approach which encourages outdoor education through use of natural materials.

Activities include woodland arts and crafts, campfire cooking and rope swings, as well as playing in the mud kitchen and singing around the campfire.

The What’s On 4 Junior Awards, now in its eighth year, recognises the best activities and classes throughout the UK, and are nominated and voted for by parents and carers.

A shortlist will be created and the winner will be announced on June 20, during a ceremony at Drayton Manor Hotel in Tamworth. Votes can be made at www.whatson4littleones.co.uk until May 15.

Tots in the Woods is also seeking another play leader or Forest School leader to join its team. For more information about the group and the role, visit www.totsinthewoods.co.uk