CHILDREN at a Greenock nursery gave it plenty of welly during an adventure in the great outdoors.

Youngsters from Wellpark Children’s Centre enjoyed a visit to Finlaystone Country Estate on Tuesday and embraced the wet and muddy conditions.

Parents and staff also joined in the fun during the outing, which is part of a drive to encourage children to play outdoors by showcasing places to go and things to do in the local area.

The ‘Wellpark welly wanderers’ project has received just over £2,700 of Big Lottery Funding and that has helped pay for waterproof clothing for everyone involved, as well as healthy snacks and transport for the trips. AnnMarie Cunningham, depute head of centre at the Mearns Street nursery, said: “We are using Finlaystone, Cornalees and Lunderston Bay and have had ranger services providing fun walks and activities in both locations.

“Feedback from parents has been excellent with some parents not able to use these facilities due to their location or cost.

“We remove all barriers so that parents can access fun outdoor activities with their children throughout the year in all weathers.

“Parents commented that they feel great after a trip and enjoy spending time outdoors in places they haven’t been before.”

The project follows research which claims parents are concerned that their children are no longer spending time outdoors.

A study by a campaign group revealed that almost three-quarters of adults played outside when they were youngsters compared with just 40 per cent of children these days.

But as well as encouraging children to go outside, the welly wanderers scheme has a range of other benefits for the young people and adults taking part.

AnnMarie said: “It is hoped that by having access to outdoor facilities parents and children will benefit by having improved physical and mental wellbeing.

“Children will develop a love of outdoors and parents will be encouraged to use outdoor facilities in the local area.”