South East
Its Okay to Play! South East
Guide to Free Summer Woodland Activities and Events
Events and Activities for the Family Summer holidays Monday 26th July Junior Rangers Club [7yrs+] Micheldever wood 10-12pm
Friday 30th July Storytelling picnic performance Micheldever woods 11:30-12:30pm
The Forestry Commission will be helping to celebrate national play day with a fun packed day of action and adventure in West Walk woods.There will be activities suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied.
A fun packed morning spent with a Forestry Commission ranger, children will get the chance to take part a range of activities with an environmental theme. Clothes to get dirty in are essential!
……………………………. Tuesday 27th July Mini Beast madness Micheldever wood 10:30-12pm Discover all things tiny and slimy on this ranger led minibeast hunt. Use your magnifying glass to discover the secret world of the bugs. You will also get the chance to build your own bug hotel! All children should be accompanied
……………………………… Wednesday 28th July Crafty Kids workshops! Micheldever Wood 45min sessions
Bring your sandwiches and something to sit on and be prepared to be entertained by the fabulous storytelling team from Orange Apples. Book early to avoid missing out.
………………………………….. Monday 2nd August Stoke Park Play Day Stoke Park Wood Help us celebrate the launch of the new play features at Stoke Park with a fun filled play day. Activities will include, woodland games, scavenger hunts and much more!
10:00am,11:00am,1:00pm,2:00pm Local artist Jo Carter will be on hand for a day of crafty activities in the woods using natural materials. All materials provided, just bring your creative flair!
….………………………….. Thursday 29th July Den building [6yrs+] Micheldever wood 1-3pm Our first den building session of the summer. Come along and test your skills! Dress suitably for getting dirty!
Wednesday 4th August National Play day Event West Walk, Forest of Bere 10-4pm
…..…………………………... Thursday 5th August Magic Forest in a Box [4-7yrs] West Walk, Forest of Bere 10:30-12:00pm Using natural materials collected on a short ranger led walk in the wood create your own living miniature forest that you can take home and look after! All children must be accompanied.
………………………………….. Tuesday 3rd August Storytelling picnic performance West Walk, Forest of Bere 11:30-12:30pm Join the storytellers from Orange Apples for a lunchtime for a fun packed storytelling performance in the woods. Come along with your lunch and something to sit on. Fun for all the f a m i l y! B o o k e a r l y t o a v o i d disappointment!
……………………………….. Friday 6th August Den building [6yrs+] West Walk, Bere 2-4pm Get active and get building in West Walk woodland! You will have the chance to build your own den - and when you have finished the ranger will be testing it to see how waterproof it is. Wear suitable clothing. Young children must be accompanied.
Unless otherwise stated booking is essential. For booking and further information please call 01962 774883 or email itsokaytoplay@forestry.gov.uk
Events and Activities for the Family
Thursday 12th August Wonders of Wood! [7yrs+] West Wood, Winchester 10:30-12pm
Monday 9th August Mini Beast Madness West Wood, Winchester 10:00-11:30am
Wednesday 25th August Welly Treasure Hunt Creech Wood, Forest of Bere 10am-2pm
An opportunity to have a go at making your very own wooden creations with expert guidance from a forest craftsperson. All tools and materials are provided. All children must be accompanied.
Discover all things tiny and slimy on this ranger led minibeast hunt. Use your magnifying glass to discover the secret world of the bugs and build your own bug hotel. All children should be accompanied.
………………………………... Tuesday 10th August Crafty Kids workshops! West Wood, Winchester 45min sessions 10:00am,11:00am,1:00pm,2:00pm
………………………………….. .Friday 13th August Storytelling picnic performance West Wood, Winchester 11:30-12:30pm Come along and enjoy a fantastic storytelling sessions deep in the heart of West Wood. Pack a picnic and prepare to be entertained! Book early to avoid disappointment.
………………………………... Monday 23rd August Storytelling picnic performance Creech Wood, Forest of Bere 11:30-12:30pm
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A great opportunity for children to have fun exploring their natural environment and make new friends.
…………………………..... Thursday 26th August Junior rangers [7yrs+] Creech Wood, Forest of Bere 10-12pm A fun packed morning spent with a Forestry Commission ranger, children will get the chance to take part a range of activities with an environmental theme. Clothes to get dirty in are essential!
Join Jo Carter once again for a day of natural art activities with a magical twist on it! All materials provided.
Wednesday 11th August Junior rangers [7yrs+] West Wood, Winchester 10-12pm
Come and explore Creech Wood in search of hidden wellington boots. Follow your map to find the clues and answer the questions. If you can solve all the clues you will unlock the secret location of the buried treasure! Treasure maps can be picked up from the main car park where your adventure will begin.
Bring your sandwiches and something to sit on and be prepared to be entertained by the fabulous storytelling team from Orange Apples. Book early to avoid any disappointment!
………………………………... Tuesday 24th August Natures Playground [7yrs+] Creech Wood, Forest of Bere 2pm-3:30pm
………………………………….. .Friday 27th August Crafty Kids workshops! Creech Wood, Forest of Bere 45min sessions Local artist Jo Carter will be on hand for a day of crafty activities in the woods using natural materials.
An afternoon in the woods with an FC ranger with lots of woodland games and fun to be had! Sturdy shoes and clothes to get dirty in are a must!!
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Unless otherwise stated booking is essential. For booking and further information please call 01962 774883 or email itsokaytoplay@forestry.gov.uk
The four project woodlands
West Walk, Forest of Bere
Micheldever wood, Micheldever
Creech wood, Forest of Bere
West Wood, Winchester
‘Its Okay to Play’ is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Winchester City Council that aims to increase children's enjoyment, activity and involvement in natural environments. The three year project began in June 2008 and has been granted £200,000 in funding through the BIG Lottery Fun Children's Play Programme to help support it. As well as encouraging free play and the use of our new and exciting natural play facilities we will also be offering a diverse programme of activities designed to engage young people in the natural environment and to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. For more information about the ‘Its Okay to Play’ project please feel free to visit our website www.forestry.gov.uk/itsokaytoplay. Alternatively you can contact project officer Emily Weller on 01962 774883 who would be happy to answer any questions about the project.