CBeebies go Wild About Wood

The CBeebies Green Balloon Club is going Wild About Wood after linking up to film at the Royal Forestry Society’s Hockeridge and Pancake Wood, and at a family day held jointly with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) at Sutton Courtenay near Oxford.

Royal Forestry Society Chief Executive Dr John Jackson said: “We are delighted to be able to bring trees and woodland management into the homes of so many young people and their families.”

The RFS and BBOWT have held three Wild about Wood events this autumn, focused on developing an understanding of how woods develop, and why the correct management is important for woodlands and forests to flourish.

Dr Jackson explained: “Each event included guided tree walks and demonstrations of how to age and measure trees. We were also able to explain how, through storing carbon, our woodlands and forests have an important part to play in managing climate change.

“There were also hands on opportunities to make paper, brooms, charcoal pencils and willow sculptures; demonstrations on turning wood and a whole variety of other experiences to take part in absolutely free. Feedback has been very positive.”

Hockeridge and Pancake Wood, near Tring, formed the location for The Green Balloon Club to link up with a local school, Haresfoot of Berkhamsted, to investigate this year’s magnificent autumn colours.

The wood, on the edge of the Chilterns, is a showcase for the Royal Forestry Society and holds a Forestry Authority Centre of Excellence Award. Sixteen tree species are grown commercially in the 74 hectare (180 acre) woodland. They include hardwoods like the area's traditional beech as well as as oak and cherry. Conifer plantations include Scots pine, Norway spruce, European larch and western hemlock.

The CBeebies footage was aired in November and the RFS and BBOWT will be continuing their partnership with a further family day in Spring 2009.