Children and families in Gorleston gather for woodland fun

Children and families gathered in Gorleston for a magical day of woodland fun.

The congregation in Bluebell Woods saw families make the most of the Easter holidays, making new friends and participating in a range of activities in the great outdoors.

Children were tasked with crafting pinecone hedgehogs and fairy magic wands, while grown ups tucked into picnics.

Indeed, the fairy wands seemed to do just the trick, with Tinkerbell making a special guest appearance at the gathering alongside Ariel and Moana.

The characters were provided free of charge by party company, Twinkle Twinkle, and many of the children were left star-struck upon meeting their new woodland friends.

The event was hosted by Little Explorers Gorleston Toddler Group and organiser, Clare Corry, said it is important to organise such gatherings.

She said: “We have had so much fun, it’s just lovely.

“It’s about getting children and families out and about together, enjoying different activities. It’s a beautiful wood and a wonderful time to be in it.

“Bringing people together that’s my main aim. In all the events that we do we try to prevent isolation and encourage people to make friends.

“I think people do appreciate these activities and unfortunately during the school holidays there are so few other groups actually running and that’s where I think more volunteer families need to be getting involved and organising whatever it might be.”

Four similar events were held in the wood last year, each based around a seasonal theme, such as Halloween.

The latest event saw a team of half a dozen volunteers guide families through the woods on an Easter egg hunt trail.

Unfortunately, the weather was less than favourable.

Ms Corry said: “Moana must have been absolutely freezing. I didn’t think anyone would come, but we pitched tents, made dents and carried on.

“On the first one we ever organised it kept raining on and off and all the dads who came pulled together and used our plastic tarp to make tents. “We don’t let a bit of rain stop us getting outdoors and having fun with our children.”

For more information about Little Explorers Gorleston Toddler Group events, visit their Facebook page.

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