NATURE-MAD youngsters ‘hopped’ to it at a frog watch to celebrate the coming of Spring and what this means for wildlife.

More than 30 children, plus 20 adults, attended a pond dipping event at Darcy Lever gravel pits in Moses Gate Country Park on Saturday.

Youngsters spotted palmate newts, smooth newts, leeches, dragonfly larvae, frogspawn and at least 20 frogs during several hours in the sunshine.

Children also caught a glimpse of a male great crested newt, an endangered species which can only be handled by those who have a license.

The event was organised by the Gravel Pits Action Group (GPAG) whose publicist Chris Banks said: “It was a great turnout and a great day.

“At least 20 frogs gathered on the edge of the pond in shallow but sunlit water, surrounded by frogspawn.

“The kids were able to stand on the bank within a foot’s distance of them – usually the frogs would scatter so their behaviour was quite unusual.

“The donations from visitors to the gravel pits are always greatly appreciated, but the most important part of the event for us is seeing the children engaged with nature and excited to discover more.”

For more information about future events: go to gravelpitsactiongroup.com/