Adorable baby red squirrels have ventured out of their nest boxes for the very first time.

The new arrivals can now be spotted exploring their surroundings at Wildwood in Herne Common, near Herne Bay.

Born three weeks ago, the little youngsters will be part of the trust's conservation project which aims at re-introducing red squirrels back into the wild.

After maturing at the park, they will be released into woods in Wales where they will live a life of freedom, helping form a population to safeguard and expand the species.

Red squirrels went extinct in Kent in the 1960s but there are hopes to see them back in the county once again.

Peter Smith, from the Wildwood Trust, said: "Red squirrels are one of the most beautiful animals in the UK and visitors can watch these playful animals over the summer until they have grown up enough to be released to the wild.

"If we can help restore areas of woodland to a native state, re-introduce animals like pine martens to control invasive grey squirrels, we might just be able to tip the balance back in the red squirrel's favour. Our eventual plan is to once again see them back across Southern Britain, including Kent."

"The Wildwood Trust will continue to champion the restoration of natural woodlands."