Beechenhurst Lodge Playground -“The Sculpture Trail Playground”

Great for: Getting your kids walking

Last weekend we were feeling very adventurous (well, as adventurous as you can be with a 2 month old, a 2 year old and a 6 year old) so we decided to have a day trip to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. We’d had a nose round the sculpture trail there when our youngest was 2 and had been meaning to go back. I’m mentioning it here because there is a playground at the end and also because it’s lovely, you should go.

The actual trail was slightly disappointing with some of the sculptures past their best. However, they did have an EXTRA SUPERWORM TRAIL! Yes, superworm the superstrong worm (who I love – it’s a Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler book – if you don’t have it, buy it, or go on the trail and get it free with the activity pack (£3.50)). The super worm trail was short but fun with activities along the way.

The playground was interesting because it was clearly built at the same time and by the same people as Castle Park. Where that one was neglected and sad, this one was cared for and lovely. The theme wasn’t very clear but it had a host of lovely wooden play equipment and both kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

It had me thinking about the fact that the council is spending millions on fantastic new playgrounds but has cut the maintenance team down to four people – that’s one person for 40 playgrounds. Is that short sighted or what??