CHILDREN in Swindon are being encouraged to explore Westonbirt Arboretum as part of the partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Roald Dahl Story Company.

This is to create the ‘most marvellous‘ forest adventure kit.

The kit was launched on Thursday – the author’s birthday – and it has become an annual, global celebration of his storytelling, his beloved stories.

This collaboration wants kids to be more adventurous after school through the use of the kits, which include a backpack, activity booklet, foldout binoculars, magnifier, collecting tray, forest find cards, stickers and a pencil.

Josephine Lavelle, head of marketing for the Forestry Commission, said: “We are very excited to be working with the Roald Dahl Story Company for the first time with the launch of the ‘forest adventure’ kit.

“The new partnership will allow us to connect school aged children with their local forest through completing lots of fun James and the Giant Peach-themed activities.

“In Roald Dahl’s famous book, James Trotter meets seven magical bugs and goes on an imaginary adventure. The nation’s forests provide the perfect place for children to go on their own adventure and to discover bugs in their natural habitats.”

Forestry Commission England is now inviting children to go on their own special adventure where they can meet their very own insect friends and learn all about their habitats with the adventure kit.