More Gruffalo characters installed in Hamsterley Forest

THE search is on for even more Gruffalo characters after extra sculptures were installed at Hamsterley Forest.

The wooden figures have helped to transform part of the forest. Youngsters and their families will be able to seek out the storybook characters from trails starting at Hamsterley Forest visitor centre and set their imaginations alight on their own Gruffalo adventure.

Forestry Commission England have brought Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and Squirrel to join the existing Gruffalo sculptures as part of the ongoing relationship with Magic Light Pictures.

Sarah Bruce, from Forestry Commission England, said: “The Gruffalo is a fantastic forest-themed family story which has been thoroughly enjoyed by our visitors. After the success of Gruffalo spotters, it is great to be able to add another dimension to our Gruffalo story by installing these beautiful sculptures of the book’s characters which can be enjoyed for many years to come. We hope people have fun meeting them on their forest adventure.”

Wood used to create the sculptures includes timber taken from the renowned Old Man of Kent which was the country’s tallest tree, located at the Forestry Commission’s Bedgebury Pinetum. It had to be felled last year due to disease and wind damage and has now been given a new lease of life, taking shape as the favourite characters from the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

All the sculptures have been created by master chainsaw carvers at Woodland Centre Ltd, in West Sussex ,and hand coloured with wood stain before being installed.

Alex Sanson, from Magic Light Pictures, said: “ The addition of these new character sculptures will give families the chance to live out the story in the deep, dark wood for years to come. We’re really pleased to see our forest partnership flourishing year on year and hope that lots more families will have a great time outdoors, discovering their local forest and searching for the Gruffalo characters.”