Over 3,000 children have visited woodlands in Wales this winter, thanks to the Christmas visits run by Forestry Commission Wales.

Aimed at children aged from three to seven years, the events were led by an Education Officer from the Woodlands for Learning Team.

Each visit had a theme. These included helping the woodland animals find Santa in time for the Christmas party; learning where Christmas trees come from; and making decorations from recycled material.

At the end of the visit, the children received a cotton gift bag containing a notepad, coloured pencils, grow your own Christmas tree kit and an activity Christmas card.

Sue Williams from the Woodlands for Learning team said, "When the Woodlands for Learning team was first set up, it was difficult to get schools to visit woodlands during the winter months.

"The Christmas visits have proved an excellent way to encourage schools to use the woodlands as an outdoor setting for learning at this time of year.

"These visits have become so popular that spaces book up very quickly - some schools try to book as early as June!"

Teachers are asked to complete an evaluation form after each visit. Feedback shows that teachers highly rate the quality of the events and the professionalism of the staff.

One of the teachers who attended an event in South Wales said, "The activities were well suited to the pupils and captured their attention. They enjoyed having space and freedom to explore the woodland."

Picture caption: Meeting Santa on a Christmas visit to the woodlands