Forestry Commission - News - youngsters invited to log-on to a forest adventure

Kids are being urged to branch out in 5,000 acre Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, with the launch of a rustic play area that's sure to get the pulses racing!

The Forestry Commission is taking the shackles off by inviting youngsters to clamber on a giant felled tree, mess around in a living willow dome and scuttle between upright logs that look like a megalithic monument!

It's all part of a big push to put more adventure into playtime in the nation's woods and let kids explore under their own steam.

Many European countries are ahead of the UK in providing less formal play opportunities, which develop a healthier attitude to risk, say the experts. But on home turf, Hamsterley is showing the way ahead, explained Recreation Ranger Neil Taylor:

“Children love to explore and get to grips with the world. To a five year old a log on the ground can look a lot more enticing than an expensive bit of play furniture. We reckon they’ll have a whale of a time in Hamsterley and learn valuable lessons about understanding risk, while also keeping active.”

The new play area is near Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre, which opens daily for the new season on Monday 17 March, from 10am to 5pm (11am to 5pm at weekends and Bank Holidays). It will be the focus for a packed programme of special events this year, ranging from ladies’ mountain bike days, to wildlife walks, star parties and den building workshops.

Paddy Harrop, Chief Recreation Ranger for England, added:

“Getting kids off the sofa and into the forest is a key objective of our Active Woods health campaign. But it’s also important we restore a sensible element of risk and adventure to play activities. The Hamsterley project is a good example of this and one of a number of schemes being undertaken across the country.”

To find out more about Hamsterley Forest go to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland, or call 01388 488312.

Note to editor
According to a Forestry Commission study called Growing Adventure, restricting children’s outdoor play opportunities can damage their development and even make them less concerned about the environment. Even so youngsters now spend more time indoors and away from natural settings, sometimes swayed by unfounded safety concerns.

Active Woods is a national drive, being led by the Forestry Commission, to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain’s woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK reflecting the campaign’s three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods

Media calls: Richard Darn on 01226 246351. Mobile 0775 367 0038.