GEARING up for National Children’s Day on Sunday, Grove Farm Woodland in Stitchcombe hosted a networking day last weekend to raise awareness of the centre’s facilities.

Director of the woodland centre Simon Keith had social services and young offender reintegration teams and their families attend to show what the site has to offer.

He is expecting more than 180 people at the open day this Sunday to mark the first UK National Children's Day by welcoming everyone to experience outdoor play.

He said: “The networking afternoon went really well, it was to let services know I am here and what facilities are at the centre.

“I have got involved with National Children’s Day as I want to raise awareness and to get people back to the countryside.”

The 24 acre woodland centre, which opened in 2011, has tree houses, assault courses, play areas and a stage as well as tents and yurts.

The centre specialises in working with schools and youth groups that cater for young people with additional needs and is currently in the process of being made a charity.

Mr Keith also runs the courses and teaches traditional bush craft skills, green wood working, performance and environmental art and has several groups using the Thicketts Road centre on a weekly basis.

Sunday’s event will be from noon onwards and will include a barbecue along with nature based activities and crafts.

For more information call Mr Keith on 07551 783401 or email him at simon@grovefarmwoodland.com.