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Pooh's Forest Turns 100: Giant Puppet Arrives
15 Jan
Summary
- Interactive performances celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.
- A giant puppet inspired by Ashdown Forest's wildlife debuts.
- Free workshops and naming contests engage local children and public.
A series of interactive performances are being prepared to commemorate the centenary of A. A. Milne's inaugural Winnie-the-Pooh story collection. Trigger, acclaimed for its large outdoor puppets, will unveil "The Big One Hundred" in Ashdown Forest, featuring free cultural events throughout East Sussex. This initiative aims to celebrate a globally cherished story while emphasizing the protection of the extraordinary landscape that inspired it.
Ashdown Forest, the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood, is a rare and scientifically significant heathland habitat. Visitors from this summer will explore the forest and encounter a newly introduced, large-scale mythical puppet creature, a design inspired by the local environment and its unique wildlife. This program extends to primary schools across Wealden, offering free workshops for children to create their own art and stories.
The project invites public participation, with opportunities to suggest a name for the creature and submit personal drawings and stories. Supported by Wealden District Council and The Ashdown Forest Foundation, the celebrations highlight the importance of preserving this valuable landscape for future generations, allowing visitors to walk in A. A. Milne's footsteps and appreciate the forest's charm.
