by Tom Walsh
The Gruffalo is turning 15 this year and is celebrating by returning to the deep, dark wood in the New Forest.
A series of events are being set up by the Forestry Commission to commemorate the 15th anniversary of this childhood favourite and will take it on tour to numerous forests over the coming months.
The Gruffalo activity trails will be set up at the likes of Ashurst, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Ocknell & Longbeech and Roundhill Camping in the Forest sites, along with an additional 23 locations.
Events kick off in April and will build up to The Gruffalo’s big birthday bash on 7 June involving a forest picnic inspired by the tales of the award-winning book.
Bob Hill, Camping in the Forest’s sites director, added: “The Gruffalo is a national treasure and so are our forests and this partnership will really help to bring the story to life and celebrate the anniversary in true Gruffalo style.”
Originally created as a children’s book, The Gruffalo was made into a 30-minute film broadcast by the BBC on Christmas Day 2009.
Stars such as James Corden, Robbie Coltrane and Helena Bonham Carter lent their voices to the characters.
