AS Easter draws nearer and children break up for the holidays there is the chance to have fun while learning more about the natural world.

At Farmer Giles working farm 12 orphan lambs have been donated by farmers so children can go along and experience the fun of bottle feeding young animals.

May Corrie, of Farmer Giles, said: "Our orphan lambs are always a particular attraction at this time of year, and as we have 12 we will need lots of young helpers to make sure they all get fed. "All our animals and birds really look forward to our visitors, and I'm sure it's nothing to do with all the additional food and attention they get."

Farmer Giles, at Teffont, near Salisbury, is a working farm and visitors can also milk cows, groom donkeys, go for a tractor and trailer ride, play in the adventure playground or just enjoy a tranquil lakeside walk. There is also a miniature train circuit, bouncy castle, pets corner, shop and restaurant.

To visit more unusual animals a trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens, at Clifton, could be the one to take this Easter. The zoo is holding a special animal-themed interactive Easter egg trail and if you're lucky the Easter bunny, pictured, will be on hand to help you.

As well as tantalising the taste buds with a chocolate egg prize the trail will also give people the chance to learn about the eggs of many difference species, including frogs, crocodiles and penguins.

The zoo, the fifth oldest in the world, is on a 12-acre site and has over 400 species of animals from lions to beetles. The zoo runs evening and daytime events throughout the year.

Fact File

  • Bristol Zoo is open from 9am-5.30pm and entry is £11 for adults and £7 for children, with under threes getting in free. For more information about Bristol Zoo Gardens visit www.bristolzoo.co.uk or call (0117) 9747357.
  • Farmer Giles is open from 10am-6pm and costs £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. For more information about Farmer Giles, which is at Teffont, Salisbury, just off the A303, visit www.farmergiles.co.uk or call (01722) 716338