Youngsters in Marsden are taking a great interest in the birds and the bees.

And their interest will hopefully be furthered by success in the Examiner’s Wish 2013 campaign.

Marsden Pre-School Playgroup is aiming to raise funds to improve their outdoor area.

And they want to bring the children closer to nature.

Playgroup spokesman Emma Radley said: “We have an outdoor area that has the usual playing equipment such as a plastic slide and climbing frame.

“But we want to make it far more natural and enhance the work we are already doing with nature.

“We already have a webcam set up looking over the play area and it’s linked to a computer so that the youngsters can watch birds coming into the garden.

“We also have binoculars so that they can watch the birds.

“Our next step is to try and get a bug hotel in the garden, so that it will attract insects, butterflies and ladybirds.

“The children are very interested and it’s a great way for them to learn.

“We also want to get rid of the plastic equipment and introduce natural resources, for example digging areas, sand trays and a growing area for plants and vegetables.”

The playgroup was set up in 1975 in premises at Lakeside, off Brougham Road. Hundreds of children have attended over the years and there are currently about 70 on the books, with a healthy waiting list.

The youngsters meet in morning and afternoon sessions with 28 in each group.

The Wish campaign ends tomorrow with extra bonus tokens appearing in the Examiner.