CHILDREN learned about the danger that litter can pose to wildlife.

Former teacher Maureen Holding visited Fawley Infant School and spoke to staff and pupils in one of her last engagements before standing down as chairman of New Forest District Council.

Cllr Holding, who is also a member of the National Park Authority (NPA), warned that animals could die as a result of eating litter.

She said: “We have a beautiful environment which is very fragile and needs care. If we can get to the point where children naturally put rubbish in their bags or pockets to take it home – and encourage adults to do so – it will keep the area beautiful and avoid animal deaths.”

The council and the NPA have joined forces with a Forestry Commission in a bid to tackle the problem.

In the 2014-2015 financial year nearly 4,900 New Forest primary school children took part in special assemblies to learn how litter can harm wildlife.

NPA education officer Sue Palma said: “Litter is a huge issue in the Forest and is extremely harmful to both wildlife and the free-roaming ponies and cattle.

“It’s very important that the children learn to take their litter home and help care for the Forest. We also hope that, through the children’s influence, adults will also follow their lead.”