Meet the Gruffalo – the scariest creature in the woods! (July 2013)

The Gruffalo’s visit is part of a weekend of celebrations to mark Moors Valley’s official 25th anniversary. As well as meeting this life-size version of Julia Donaldson’s lovable woodland monster, Gruffalo fans will also be able to explore Moors Valley’s Gruffalo Trail and even go home looking like a Gruffalo thanks to some expert face-painting skills. And, anyone turning up in Gruffalo costume will receive a free Gruffalo mask to take home and colour in.

Other activities taking place over the weekend include a free den building session on Saturday from 2 to 5pm, an anniversary walk featuring funny anecdotes and historical information on Sunday 10 to 11.30am, a photo wall depicting Moors Valley’s development over the last 25 years, a model railway weekend and a stunning dragonfly exhibition featuring the photographs of Clifton Beard.

Countryside Interpretation Ranger Katie Davies said, “July 20 and 21 will be our ‘Big Weekend’ this year and the Rangers will be out and about having some fun with our visitors. Everyone loves the Gruffalo and I’m looking forward to him arriving in our woods. I’m also delighted that we will be able to display Clifton Beard’s amazing photographs. Moors Valley has a dragonfly as its logo and it’s especially fitting that we can show this exhibition on our 25th anniversary. Clifton’s macro shots are stunning in their detail and reveal the hidden beauty of these delicate creatures”.

The Gruffalo will be making regular guest appearances at Moors Valley Country Park between 11am and 4pm on 20 and 21 July. The Gruffalo Trail opens daily from 20 July to 1 September, and a trail card costs £2. The Den Building session is free, just turn up and follow the signs into the woods. To book a place on the anniversary walk (£2), or for more details of the full event programme at Moors Valley Country Park call the Rangers on 01425 470721 or go to www.moors-valley.co.uk.

ENDS

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Editors Notes:

Journalists, photographers and their families are invited to welcome the Gruffalo to Moors Valley before his public appearance on Saturday morning.
This special press session will be at 10am, at a secret location. To confirm your attendance please e-mail amanda@phoenix-2.co.uk with ‘Secret Gruffalo meeting’ in your subject heading, and provide full details of all those attending, including ages of any children in your group. Not more than 3 children per adult please.

A selection of high resolution images can be downloaded from the press images gallery.

For more detailed information contact:
Katie Davies at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr Ringwood BH24 2ET
Tel: 01425 470721 Email: ktdavies@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk