Hackney youngsters discovered the wonders of the countryside and overcame their fear of animals last week, at an annual country fair in the heart of east London.

The children from Grazebrook Primary School, Millfields Community School, St. Dominic’s Primary School, St. John and St. James Primary School, Shacklewell Primary and Parkwood Primary School visited the WaterWorks Nature Reserve in the Lee Valley Regional Park in Leyton for Countryside Live.

They took part in hands on activities like willow weaving, corn dolly making, woodturning and mini beast hunting.

They also got close to animals not often seen like bats and otters, and marvelled at the sheepdog and falconry shows.

“For many of the children, this was their first time in a simulated countryside environment and initially they were afraid of the animals, even going through the woodland areas,” said Alice Carnac, a teacher from Shacklewell School in Dalston.

“But they have absolutely loved the whole day – it’s been a great experience.”