We had fantastic day out at BeWILDerwood (From Knutsford Guardian)

We had fantastic day out at BeWILDerwood

10:00am Thursday 31st May 2012 in Letters

I WAS intrigued by the story about the plans for a BeWILDerwood in Tatton Park. In July 2010, I was staying in Norfolk with my then seven-year old and my octogenarian parents. We took a day trip to a BeWILDerwood, and had a fantastic day out.

The car park was half empty and the boat ride very pleasant, as were the walks through the woods. There were several ladders leading to walkways around trees with small rope linking bridges, and often a slide down the next tree. My son enjoyed these.

There was a drop slide with special sacks for your feet and handles.

There were some great rope swings for up to three people, a lovely yurt serving delicious organic and vegetarian snacks and lots of natural wooden benches everywhere to sit on, which my parents enjoyed as they could sit and watch their grandson having fun. The twin zip wires were just a few feet off the ground, about 30 feet long – fairly tame and very well-staffed.

There was den building and a lovely zone where the kids had to try and balance around an obstacle course of wooden posts, with some small mini-climbing walls and rope swings.

My son went around this course several times. Yes, there were plenty of young children enjoying themselves alongside their parents and grandparents.

I don’t recall screaming, there were no rides – this is as far removed from a Disney theme park as I can imagine.

It was not the sort of place that children over 10 would get very much out of, but we found it charming, pleasant, relaxing and would happily return.

Unless the owners are planning to change the format significantly I can’t imagine a BeWILDerwood in Tatton Park falling into the category of rural vandalism.

My garden backs onto a primary school playing field, and it is lovely to see the kids playing out, getting fresh air and exercise and doing what kids do – having fun.

SARAH GANCZARSKI Gaskell Avenue, Knutsford