A traditional pastime for children the world over was enjoyed by young and old alike at The Vyne in Sherborne St John.
Groups of youngsters and adults gathered around a huge cedar in the grounds of the National trust property to take part in a spot of tree climbing on Saturday. Kitted out in harnesses and hard hats groups enjoyed aerial views of the surrounding area from a vantage point 30ft from the ground.
The tree climb, one of two running this August, was the brainchild of The Vyne’s visitor experience manager, Jules Fuller, who said: “Playing outside, climbing trees, getting muddy, and building dens are simple pleasures that many of today’s children are missing out on. Here at The Vyne we wanted to re-introduce some of these activities and show children just how exciting and exhilarating things like tree climbing can be, compared with sitting at home with a PlayStation.”
The event was prompted by a new survey by Play England that revealed one in three children have never climbed a tree, while 60 per cent would rather watch television or play computer games than venture outdoors. The next tree climbing is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, with more climbs planned for 2012.
