IF you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise...

Forget hi-tech computer games, TV and expensive outings - one childminder has gone back to basics and is showing children how to enjoy the simpler things in life with her fun-filled woodland nature walks.

Jackie Watchorn of Toll Bar has been a childminder for the past four years and regularly takes the children she looks after out to Sandall Beat Woods, in favour of more expensive outings.

Jackie believes you can't beat a bit of free fun in the fresh air and claims you don't need to spend money on extravagant activities for children to have a good time.

"It's fantastic," she said. "We go out a lot and I take them walking everyday in all weathers - they learn so much when they are out and about.

"It's a massive learning curve - they can do things for themselves and discover different things on their own and just run about and enjoy the freedom.

"People don't do it enough. I can take them to a proper indoor play area they're asking to go home after an hour, where as they can stay out here for hours enjoying just being outdoors - and it's free."

Sandall Beat Wood was planted in the early years of the last century on open land as older, neighbouring woodlands were cleared, becoming an important refuge for many forest creatures.

And by 1966, Doncaster Council recognised this and the Beat was designated a Local Nature Reserve because of its rich and varied wildlife. In 1984, further special protection was give when the area was classified as a Site of Special Interest (SSSI) because of the wood's rare insects.

And for three-year-old Tia Hanson, it is the prospect of discovering creatures in the wood that excites her.

"I like finding creatures," she said. "Sometimes we can't find anything but we found a slug the other day. It was all slimy and squelchy and we saw a squirrel running up a tree," added Tia.

"We sometimes look at the clouds and make shapes out of them too. And I like it when leaves fall out of the sky and when it snows we can play in it. I like making snow into a ball and throwing it." she added.

For four-year old daredevil Charlie Armstrong it is the thrill of climbing that entices him to the woods.

"I like climbing in the woods and I can climb up on branches and balance," he said as he pulled himself up onto a fallen branch.

"I like looking at creatures too. We lift up logs and can see different things like slugs and ants," he said, before being distracted by a bird cry to which he excitedly screeched: "I saw a noise!"

Baby of the group; one-year-old Tyler, enjoyed picking up leaves, which Jackie explained the children take home to make pictures. He was also quite taken with a tree shaped like a dog.

Two-year-old Travis has only been with Jackie for the past few weeks and already she has seen him develop thanks to regular outdoor activities "He was so quiet when he first started and he had come from a private nursery where they didn't have that many outdoor activities.

Now he's like a different person - he has come out of his shell so much," said Jackie.

As toddler Travis busied himself in the corner with a spot of leaf collection and sweeping with a stick, he seemed more than content to simply do his own thing. But when the intrepid explorers stumbled across a bridge further into the woods, Travis decided to devise a game of tig.

As he excitedly chased Charlie across the bridge it was difficult to get him to stop to chat about why he enjoyed trips to the woods but the laughter and giggles said it all.

"They make up their own little games and just enjoy playing together or doing their own thing, I just love to see them laugh," said Jackie.

* Visit Sandall Beat Wood, off Leger Way, Doncaster or contact (01302) 300798 for more information. Admission to the woods is free.