Children, community groups and families are invited to get involved with the environment as a new park guardianship project is launched.

The Fields Studies Council and Friends of Wanstead Parklands announced introduction of a new environmental activities partnership for schools, families and community groups in Wanstead Park, Bush Wood and Wanstead Flats in Epping Forest at the latter's annual general meeting yesterday (March 13).

The project will involve family activities run during school holidays and weekends, as well as community activities for local groups and environmental themed school visits.

Speaking on behalf of Friends of Wanstead Parklands Jo Blackman said: "We are delighted that the Fields Studies Council has been awarded funding to work in Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats.

"We hope that this project will encourage even more local residents to explore their natural environment and develop a lifelong passion for nature.

"We look forward to supporting the delivery of an exciting new programme of events over the next two years."

The first event is the Bluebell Walk taking place on March 23.

Fields Studies Council centre manager Helen Robertson said: "We have been working in Epping Forest for almost 50 years and are delighted to extend our work into a new location and to a new community.

"We hope this project will inspire everyone to be curious, caring and passionate about Epping Forest and the Environment."

The project has been funded by City of London Corporation’s ‘Enjoying Green Spaces and the Natural Environment’ strand of the Central Grants Programme and will run for two years.

City of London Corporation’s open spaces and city gardens committee chairman Graeme Smith said: "I’m pleased that we have been able to help the Field Studies Centre expand their work across the Forest.

"Outdoor exploration and play are vital for children to flourish in their learning and development.

"This project will encourage more people to join the Forest community and enjoy these precious open spaces."

For more information about the activities and events or to book a place for the Bluebell Walk, visit: www.field-studies-council.org/wansteadpark.

If you are a local community group and want more information about how you can get involved, email: projects.ef@field-studies-council.org with details of your group.