What's on at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest offers a rich and varied programme of special events.
The list below shows the events planned for 2009. All events need to be booked and charges vary. The normal £7.50 car parking fee applies. The list of events below is changes periodically - please keep referring to the website for more detailed information:
The Winter Guide, containing the Winter Trail and latest Bedgebury news, is now available from the Visitor Information Office.
Bedgebury Events 2009
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August - PSDA PetCheck
Free PetCheck for dogs. Bedgebury Visitor Centre car park
Wednesday 26th August - Alice Through the Looking Glass(see below for details)
Saturday 12th September - Marie Curie Great Forest Run
Annual charity 10k run and 2k fun run. Call 08700 340040 or visit
www.mariecurie.org.uk/events/running/10krun/the_great_forest_run.htm
Saturday 19th September - BHF 12 Hour Night Challenge
The British Heart Foundation is hosting an off- road night ride from 8pm to 8am around Bedgebury Forest. The nine mile circuit utilises the existing off-road tracks throughout the forest. How many laps can you complete in 12 hours?
Register on www.bhf.org.uk/bedgeburynightchallenge or call 0808 100 2109
FAMILY EVENTS
PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Normal parking charges apply, but visitors will receive a free voucher for their next visit. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Visitor Services on 01580 879820 or call in at the Information Office. Price £5 per young person, except where stated.
Summer Sensations
Tues 4 Aug 10.00-12.00 5-8 years
Weds 5 Aug 10.00-12.00 9-13 years
A sensory discovery walk round Bedgebury. Come prepared to sniff, touch, listen to and see our tree collection in a whole new way.
Naturally Arty
Tues 11 Aug 10.00-12.00 5-8 years
Weds 12 Aug 10.00-12.00 9-13 years
Discover the colours, patterns and textures of Bedgebury’s tree collection, and create some natural masterpieces.
Green Machines
Tues 18 Aug 10.00-12.00 5-8 years
Weds 19 Aug 10.00-12.00 9-13 years
Ever wondered how a tree works? Come and find out, using Bedgebury’s fantastic conifer collection.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Wednesday 26th August
Top London touring company Quantum Theatre will be staging two performances of Alice Through The Looking Glass in Bedgebury's picturesque Walled Garden. Shows start at 2pm and 6pm and run for one and a half hours, with a 20 minute interval. Refreshments are available or bring a picnic. Special picnic boxes can be pre-booked on 07739 564691. Easy parking close by.
Tickets priced at £7 for children and £12 for adults are on sale through the Forestry Commission Box Office on 01842 814612 or from Bedgebury Visitor Centre.
Seed Gathering Sunday (£2.50)
Sun 27 September
10.30-12.00 – all ages
13.00-14.30 – all ages
This is your chance to collect seed from Bedgebury’s famous trees, and pot up a seed to take home.
The Big Draw (free)
Tues 27 October
11.00- 4pm
The Big Draw is the UK’s biggest free art event with over a million people getting back to the drawing board. Come to our drop-in, all-day event and be part of Bedgebury’s contribution to this national sensation.
Feed The Birds
Thurs 29 October
10.00-12.0 5-8 yrs old
13.00-15.0 9-13 yrs old
This autumn bird event provides an opportunity for a short bird watching walk, information on looking after birds in your garden throughout the winter and making your own feeder - which you can take home.
Conifers are for life … not just for Christmas
(To tie in with National Tree Week)
Sat 5 Dec
10.00-12.00 5-8 years
13.00-15.00 9-13 years
First we will meet some of Bedgebury's most extraordinary conifers and find out why they are so important. Then we will return to the education room for refreshments and to make Christmas Cards with a distinctive tree theme.
GENERAL EVENTS
ARCHERY
Bedgebury Events Arena. All ages from 6 upwards. All abilities - care homes & day services welcome. Starts April 4th till October 31st. Equipment supplied. Qualified instructor. Only £5 per person. Bookings - Steve Walker 07856 924934.
HEALTH WALKS
Come along and join our friendly group and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells whilst getting fit. No experience required and you will be encouraged to walk at your own pace. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly. No booking required, please meet at the visitor centre. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
NEW!! - Beginners Health Walk - Last Friday of each month - 10am
This walk is designed for those people who are not used to walking and would like to start gradually. It is also for those people who would find the moderate walk difficult. Walks last approximately 30 mins to 1 hour and we will cover between 1 and 4 km (0.5 and 2.5miles).
Moderate Health Walks - Every Friday - 10am
This walk is designed for those people who want to walk a little further and at a quicker pace than the Beginners walk. All walkers are still encouraged to walk at their own pace but we do venture out further into the forest. Walks last approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins and we cover between 4 and 6 km (2.5 and 3.7 miles).
For more information please call the Bedgebury Visitor centre on 01580 879820 or email bedgebury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
Please Note - For health and safety reasons any large groups wishing to join the Health Walks will need to receive approval 6 weeks prior to the date they would like to attend. We cannot guarantee to be able to provide enough walk leaders to accomodate large groups as leaders give us their time on a voluntary basis.
Go Ape
Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the forest floor. Share approximately three memorable hours of fun and adventure, which you’ll be talking about for days. Minimum age 10 yrs. Mininimum height 1.4m. Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Get more information, watch people Go Ape and book online at www.goape.co.uk
GENERAL EVENTS
