insideKENT Magazine Issue 86 - May 2019 | Page 64

FESTIVALS JOURNEY Into The Trees IN THE ASHDOWN FOREST MISSING FROM OUR LIVES MORE THAN ANYTHING IS TIME SPENT OUTDOORS IN NATURE. WITH THREE QUARTERS OF BRITISH CHILDREN SPENDING LESS TIME OUTSIDE THAN PRISON INMATES, THE NEED TO RECONNECT YOUNG PEOPLE WITH NATURE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. IF WE DON’T INSPIRE OUR YOUTH TO LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE ENVIRONMENT HOW CAN WE EXPECT THEM TO TAKE CARE OF IT IN THE FUTURE? Into The Trees takes families on a fascinating journey through one of the South East’ s most unique landscapes and of fers a rar e chance to r elax and actively explore the great outdoors. Children love nature. They jump at the chance to explore the woods or investigate what lies beneath the surface of a pond. As parents we need to harness this and translate it into a lifelong desire to care for the planet and an understanding of the importance of time spent outdoors for good health and wellbeing. Taking place in mid-September, Into The Trees is held in an enchanting protected ancient woodland in the heart of the Ashdown Forest and brings families together with e xperts from the outdoor w orld to inspire visitors of all ages. It’s a chance to explore a host of w oodland-based arts , sport and environmental activities, either as a day guest, or as a weekend camper. Hidden wa terways dee p in the w oods of fer the opportunity to take to the wa ter and try kayaking or canoeing with y our family, or w hy not giv e mountain boar ding or tr eetop climbing a go? Creating a meaningful connection betw een the environment and kids isn’t as hard as it may seem. 64 Younger guests love campfire storytelling, making mud pies and meeting the fascinating wildlife while pond dipping with par ents. T he hugely popular Woodland Tribe invite parents and kids to pick up tools and create a woodland adventure playground of childhood dreams. A host of sports activities including disc golf, archery and axe throwing offer the chance to try something new, while those that prefer to sit back and relax can take in the sur roundings and enjo y some of the delicious local food on offer. From the team behind the award-winning Elderflower Fields, who build on their f ormula of adventure, discovery and inspiration, Into The Trees encourages even more generations to spend time outdoors and discover the wonders of nature. Weekend camping and g lamping tickets plus family da y tickets on sale on sale no w at www.into-the-trees.co.uk, 13-15th September 2019, Ashdown Forest, Sussex TN22 3HW.