Kids can drive mini Land Rovers to help save Lower Moss Wood sanctuary

Kids can get behind the wheel of mini Land Rovers and explore woodland at Lower Moss Nature Reserve and Wildlife Hospital.

Little ones will also get the chance to go pond dipping and meet owls.

The exciting event - over the weekend of September 28 and 29 - is raising funds to help prevent the crisis torn animal sanctuary closing.

Mum-of-two Clare Gregory, who runs Mini Off-Rovers with husband Chris, said: “When we heard that Lower Moss Nature Reserve was at risk of closing we wanted to do whatever we can to help them.

Clare and Chris Gregory with their children Cora and Kit (Image: Supplied)

“We’ve taken animals there.

“As a family and local business, we recognise the value of the crucial work they do for wildlife.

Chris and Clare Gregory want to do all they can to help save Lower Moss Nature Reserve (Image: Supplied)

“It is really important that the community comes together to support it.”

All ticket sales will be donated to the wildlife charity.

These baby owls were brought into the sanctuary as orphans when they were very young, hand reared, ringed and released (Image: Supplied)

Vicky Boag-Munroe, who works at the 18-acre nature reserve, said: “We are extremely grateful.

“This family has brought injured animals to us and has fallen in love with our charity.

Children can get behind the wheel of their own 4x4 off road vehicle (Image: Supplied)

“We are struggling. Our donations are down.

“With the cost of living crisis, all our costs, feed, medication and power have gone up a lot.

Children can drive through the woodland (Image: Supplied)

“The seriousness of the situation is that we don’t know if we will be here next year.

“We are making an urgent appeal for help.”

The Land Rover's features make them feel like the real thing with a steering wheel, starter key and lights (Image: Supplied)

The hospital started in 1989 and strives to rescue and release injured and orphaned animals and birds back to the wild.

Education is a top priority. The reserve hosts school and educational visits on a regular basis.

Annual running costs of more than £60,000 are generated entirely from donations and fundraising activities.

Children can go pond dipping at the nature reserve (Image: Supplied)

Tickets for the unique Mini Off-Rover event are £29 for a family of four.

Children aged five to nine can get the wheel of their own electric 4x4 off road vehicle which has a top speed of five miles per hour.

Children can have an 'unforgettable experience' (Image: Supplied)

A child aged two to four can sit in the passenger seat and two adults can accompany the vehicle.

Clare said: “This is much more than just an adventure.

Children can take home their own personalised driving licence as an ultimate souvenir (Image: Supplied)

“Children just love being given the trust, freedom and independence of driving a car by themselves.

“Parents love seeing how exciting that is for them.

Children can feel grown up driving their own car (Image: Supplied)

"Families can generate great memories. It will be an unforgettable experience.

“Getting children at a young age to explore a woodland environment starts an interest.

This tawny owl was brought to the reserve after being clipped by a car (Image: Supplied)

“Hopefully they will want to learn more about wildlife.

“Families can enjoy one-and-a-half hours on the nature reserve and experience its breathtaking beauty, learning to appreciate why it is a true haven and sanctuary for wildlife."

A great crested grebe brought to the wildlife hospital as an orphan (Image: Supplied)

After the drive, children will be able to discover a wild variety of pondlife.

A pond dipping kit including net, tray, tubs and identification chart will be laid out and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Vicky Boag-Munroe, from the reserve, showing children a barn owl on a visit to a school (Image: Supplied)

Afterwards drinks and home made cakes will be served in the reception centre where little ones can meet owls.

To book visit minioffrovers.co.uk/events/animal-hospital-charity-event.html