Pond dipping and Easter egg challenges are in store for youngsters during the first week of half term with Green Gang, the environmental group.

A special programme of activities has been organised with the White Cliffs Countryside project and its partners to keep children entertained in the school holidays without breaking the bank.

Boys and girls will be rolling their trousers up and testing the early spring water at the Bushy Ruff pond dipping session in Kearsney on Saturday, April 4.

Children will learn about the fascinating wildlife and ecology of water and are asked to bring a net if possible. Meet at Kearsney Abbey cafe at 2pm.

Wildlife detectives will go exploring in the big outdoors for signs of spring on the Western Heights on Sunday afternoon, April 5.

Meet Paul Sampson at St Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover, at 2pm. On Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday, an Easter trail will lead youngsters around South Foreland Lighthouse before they have chance to claim their chocolate prize.

The National Trust has organised the event which costs just £1 per trail sheet.

Every trail sheet handed in receives a prize.

Parents are reminded there is no parking at the lighthouse, which is a two mile walk from White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs or a mile from the village.

Animal lovers will have the chance to find out about the Konik horses which graze on Dover’s High Meadow on Thursday, April 9.

Meet at High Meadow Flats, Edred Road, Dover at 2pm for a gentle two mile walk around the community park.