This year I have been making a real effort to teach my children about nature, and, I must confess, myself at the same time.

We have been learning names of trees and plants through books and on little rambles, one of the most recent being to Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve.

Completely free to visit, the main entrance to Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve is situated near the south-eastern corner of Glen Avon Park in Sneyd Park.

Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve offers grassland, woodland and a lake complete with ducks and moorhens.

It also boasts ancient oak trees, bugs and beasties such as butterflies, daytime moths and midges, plus wildlife such as deer, badgers, foxes and tawny owls.

We admired the flowers and plants and experienced the soothing power of dock leaves on nettle-stung skin. We enjoyed watching the ducks and moorhens glide around the peaceful lake and spent time listening out for owls.

We did some bug hunting, and enjoyed trying to glimpse – albeit unsuccessfully – just one of the many grasshoppers which add their voices to the sounds of the nature reserve.

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of City life to enjoy some fresh air and nature with your children for an hour or two, Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve will not disappoint.