8 JUNE 2007

NEWS RELEASE No: 9689

IT'S A BUGS LIFE AT BEDGEBURY The National Pinetum at Bedgebury - managed by the Forestry Commission -is holding a special children’s mini-beast hunt on Sunday 24th June as part of National Insect Week. Sessions run from 11am -12 noon (4 to 6 years) and 2pm - 3pm (7 to 12 years). “National Insect Week is all about engaging everyone in raising awareness of insects.” Says Bedgebury’s Education Manager Cath Armstrong. “Bedgebury is doing its bit to encourage insects by creating lots of natural habitats. This is a really good chance to discover some of Bedgebury’s weird and wonderful multi-legged residents.” The event costs £2 per child, who must be accompanied by an adult. Normal £6 car parking charges apply. This is the first of several family-friendly events at Bedgebury this summer: On Tuesday 7th August, there will be an arty encounter with the Green Man, that mysterious figure of woodland mythology. Sessions run from 10am – 12 noon (4 to 6 years) and 2pm – 4pm (7 to 12 years) and cost £5 (excluding car parking). On Wednesday 15th August, Bedgebury’s Summer Sensations children’s event will appeal to all the senses and offer visitors a whole series of fun sensory activities. 10am – 12 noon (4 to 6 years) and 2pm – 4pm (7 to 12 years), £5 (excluding car parking). The ever-popular Summer Mapsticks Trail returns on Thursday 23rd August. We will explore some of Bedgebury’s most interesting and impressive trees and then use traditional Native American techniques to chart our way around the National Pinetum. 11am – 12 noon and 1pm – 2pm (4 to 6 years) and 2.30pm – 3.30pm (7 to12 years), £2 (excluding car parking). Media contact - Peter d’Aguilar 01580 211044 x 233 peter.d’aguilar@forestry.gsi.gov.uk www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury.