New play structure is Moors Valley's most adventurous yet

A HUGE 7.5-metre high play structure has been unveiled at Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood.

The facility, named Bewildernest, covers 120-square metres and is one of the largest at the park, jointly owned and managed by Dorset Council and Forestry England.

A mysterious maze of tunnels inside the nest encourages children to navigate and explore, and children can access a six-metre high periscope look-out tower. If they dare, they can climb higher still to reach an ogre’s lair from which they can descend a steep, curving slide.

Native planting incorporated in Bewildernest will create a habitat for wildlife, with many small animals and mini-beasts expected to make it their home.

Forestry England’s recreation manager for Dorset, Linda Laker, said: “This is a truly large scale play structure and one of our most adventurous yet! There are lots of different areas for children to explore and ways for them to challenge themselves.

“We hope they and their families will really enjoy trying them all out. We couldn’t add new equipment like this without the funds raised by car parking, and we would like to thank visitors to the park for supporting us in this way.”

The park was named top large visitor attraction in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards last year.