Forestry Commission - News - wood turns to rock!

Forget the Flintstones! The Forestry Commission has gone back to the Stone Age by unveiling five rock monoliths in Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland.

The weird and wonderful creation – a mini-Stonehenge in Country Durham - is the final element in the wood’s exciting new natural play area, created by the Forestry Commission to spice-up playtime for kids bored of play pens.

Enclosed by a series of boulders which children can hop around, the stones link with other elemental features like upright logs, willow sculptures and a massive tree trunk.

Now over 500 youngsters from across Teesdale and the Wear Valley will put them to the ultimate test with the staging of the 3rd Hamsterley Forest Play Day on Thursday 7 August 2008.

The massive event – one of the biggest of its kind in the country – is organised by Crook Community Partnership and 2D Children’s Participation Workers, along with Sure Start, Bishop Auckland Holiday Play Partnership, Forestry Commission and other organisations.

Adding to the fun will be soccer skills with Sunderland Football Club, an army climbing wall, mountain biking, den building, displays by police and fire services, storytelling, crafts and much more between 10am and 4pm.

The jamboree marks Play England’s National Playday, themed at encouraging youngsters to “give it a go” and develop a healthier attitude to risk through play – a key aim of the forest’s new adventure recreation area.

Neil Taylor, Recreation Ranger with the Forestry Commission, said:

“Natural play is a buzz word at the moment, but it’s all about giving kids chance to do what they’ve done for centuries, clambering over branches, racing between boulders and letting their imaginations run riot. Hamsterley’s Play Day is a fabulous opportunity to zap the TV and enjoy a wild day out.”

Many of the youngsters at the Play Day will be from Surestart groups, but anyone can join in the fun. Entry for the general public is just Ł2 (under three year olds go free). For further details contact Sandra Lawton at Crook Community Partnership on 01388 or Robert Fothergill, LSP Participation Worker for Children & Young People (Wear Valley) on 01388 762220.

For more on Hamsterley Forest call the Forestry Commission on 01388 488312, or log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351. Mobile 07753 670038.

Notes to Editors

There are scores more opportunities for youngsters and adults to enjoy a healthy day out in North East woods. The Forestry Commission’s Active Woods campaign is promoting the vast range of health and fitness opportunities on offer. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK reflecting the campaign’s three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. To find out more go to http://www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england
Financial support and sponsorship for the Hamsterley Play Day has been received from Northumbrian Water, Wear Valley District Council and the Wear Valley Local Strategic Partnership.