THE Forestry Commission has launched a campaign to thank people for supporting Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood.

Visitor numbers to the park are increasing every year.

Charlotte Magowan of the Forestry Commission said: “Every visit makes a difference.

“Money generated through car parking, bike hire, taking part in our many activities, or simply buying a cup of coffee or an ice cream at one of our forest sites goes back into caring for the public forest estate.

“We look after 7,000 hectares of woodland in Dorset. As guardians of the public forest estate, it’s our role to protect, improve and expand our woodlands, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our visitors.”

In the last 12 months, the Forestry Commission and East Dorset District Council have planted more than 30,000 trees, using different species to identify the most suitable ones for the future.

It has supported endangered wildlife and helped to boost nationally-declining numbers of key species. A family of water voles is now successfully breeding along Moors River, and half of all dragonfly and damselfly species in Britain have been recorded at the park.

More than 9,000 children have visited the park, gaining an understanding and respect for nature.

Justin Rylands from Moors Valley County Park said: “So much of our work takes place behind the scenes, the public won’t always be aware of what we do. This campaign is an opportunity to share the progress and success stories that local people are helping to support and to say a huge thank you.”

Search for the Gruffalo's Child

Youngsters can enjoy a fun-packed search for The Gruffalo’s Child in the forest at Moors Valley Country Park this autumn.

The Gruffalo’s Child activity trail includes activities based on characters from the books, a foraging bag and activity pack and a chance to learn more about local wildlife.

Organised by the Forestry Commission England in conjunction with Magic Light Pictures, the event follows on from the successful Gruffalo’s Forest Tour earlier this year.

Moors Valley ranger Katie Davies said: “Many families discovered the wide range of activities we have on offer at Moors Valley for the first time this year – when they came to meet the Gruffalo or visit his new sculpture.

Now the park will provide the perfect winter woodland setting for another family adventure as the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the wild snowy night.”

The trail runs until February 22 next year.

It will encourage children to learn more about the behaviour of animals in autumn and how they search for their food, create shelters and prepare for the cold winter months.

Later this winter, a carved wooden sculpture of The Gruffalo’s Child will join the existing Gruffalo sculpture at Moors Valley.

For more information visit moors-valley.co.uk.