Kids in Staffordshire are being invited to become junior nature detectives at Cannock Chase Forest this summer, as part of the Forestry Commission’s Summer Forest Fundays programme.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from the 21st of July until the 27th of August, the Birches Valley Forest Centre near Rugeley will stage a variety of fun, hands on activities to help bring children closer to nature and bring their imaginations to life.

From learning how to become a mini forest ranger, to building hideouts and rafts deep in the forest, there’s an activity to suit even the most intrepid of young forest explorers.

The Birches Valley education team will also be on hand to help youngsters discover the fascinating world of minibeasts and other forest creatures.

All activities can be enjoyed by the whole family, as part of the Forestry Commission’s Active Woods Campaign to get people out and active in the woods.

Rowan Clark, Education Officer for the Forestry Commission at Cannock Chase, said:

“The Summer Forest Fundays programme is a great way for children to have fun learning about nature and wildlife on their own doorstep.

“The forest environment also provides the prefect setting for them to get active and make lots of new friends at the same time.”

The highlights of the Summer Forest Fundays programme include Ranger Day on Friday the 15th of August, where children will join one of the Forestry Commission’s wildlife rangers in the forest, visiting animal homes and looking for wildlife. After completing a number of tasks throughout the day, youngsters can become a fully fledged mini ranger.

Living Sound! on Monday the 21st of July, will give kids the chance to create as much noise as they want making their very own musical instrument. They will use forest tools to make a kazoo or giant xylophone out of wood.

On Monday 4th August, the Mini Raft Making event will see kids lining up to create their very own mini raft to race on Stoney Brook. They’ll also get the chance to design a flag for their rafts, give it a name and see if it floats.

For wildlife lovers, there’s an Animal Tracking event on Friday the 8th of August, when kids can learn about the wildlife of Cannock Forest by searching for footprints, droppings and other signs of animal activity.

Kids can become a ‘Forest Outlaw’ and go on the run into the depths of the forest on Monday the 11th of August, as part of the Outlaws event. Forest outlaws will build their own hideout and learn about camouflage.

The climax to the summer events programme at Cannock Chase is the Pirate Treasure Hunt on Wednesday the 27th of August. Kids can join ‘One Eyed Woolley’ and ‘Long Johns Sarah’ on Witches Wood Island to fight off the zombie curse and help return the hidden treasure to its rightful owners.

For a full list of all 16 Summer Forest Fundays at Cannock Chase Forest call the Birches Valley education team 01889 586593. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

Activities will be held from 10.30am to 12.00pm at the Birches Valley Education Centre. The cost of each activity is only £3.50 per child. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.

This year, the education team is offering a special ‘5+1 free’ deal. Take part in five Fundays and get one free. To find out more visitors should ask the education team on arrival.

For further information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westmidlands-learning

Further details about the Summer Forest Funday programme as follows:

Summer Forest Fundays!
Date: 21st July – 27th August 2008 (Open every Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Time: 10:30am – 12pm
Description: A set of fun filled activities for all the family throughout the summer holidays. A different activity for each session. Activities could include pond dipping, minibeast hunting, shelter building and much more!
Age Group: All ages. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost of Event: £3.50 per child
How to get there: Located just off Penkridge Bank Road, just outside Rugeley.
Clothing Required: Wear clothes you are happy to get dirty.
Booking Essential: Call 01889 586593. Numbers are limited so please book early.
Dogs Allowed: No

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Images of activities at Birches Valley Forest Centre attached. High res versions available by calling 015394-42436.
2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The West Midlands region covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands conurbation.
3. The Active Woods campaign aims to alert people to the link between trees, woodland and forests and human health and wellbeing. Research has shown that exercising in natural environments reduces stress levels and can speed recovery from illness. For more information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Call Rowan Clark (Education Officer) or Jason Maclean (Environment Manager) at the Forestry Commission's Birches Valley Forest Centre on 01889 586593.