Successful "Wild Play" Event Engages Pennington Community in Celebrating Local Wildlife and the New Forest National Park

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The New Forest National Park Authority is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the "Wild Play" event held on August 15th at Pennington Common. This drop-in event was designed to educate and engage local residents and families from Pennington and the surrounding areas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the New Forest National Park and the wildlife that thrives right on their doorstep.

The event featured the National Park Authority's mobile information and display vehicle, which served as the central hub for attendees to learn about the natural beauty and ecological importance of the area. In addition, a variety of guided and self-guided activities were offered, providing fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. These activities included:

  • Mud Kitchen Play Area: A hands-on experience that delighted younger attendees as they explored and created with natural materials.

  • Wildlife/Bug Hunting: An activity that encouraged families to discover and learn about the smaller creatures inhabiting Pennington Common.

  • Bird Watching: Participants had the opportunity to observe and identify local bird species, enhancing their understanding of the area's avian life.

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: A self-guided adventure that led explorers through the common, uncovering the natural treasures of the environment.

  • Coloring and Paper Craft Activities: Creative stations where children expressed their love for nature through art.

  • Wooden Pole/Tarpaulin Den Building: A collaborative and imaginative activity where families built their own woodland shelters.

The Wild Play event was free to attend, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. It successfully brought together local residents to celebrate the unique natural environment of Pennington Common and the broader New Forest National Park. The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the event's success in promoting environmental education and community engagement.

This event follows similar successful activity days previously held at Bartley Park in Totton and Stanford Rise Green in Sway.

All images credited to “New Forest National Park Authority”