A CHILDREN’S adventure trail is to be created in a Lake District forest.

Following a £200,000 investment by the Northwest Development Agency, the ‘Wildplay’ project at Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick, will see the creation of a 600m-long trail with nine play areas designed for children aged from six to 13.

It is believed the attraction will ‘significantly’ improve the visitor offering at Whinlatter for families and provide a way for children to experience a healthy, physical challenge in a natural environment.

Paul Brown, Forestry Commission recreation ranger at Whinlatter, said: “We already have a range of activities and attractions for adults – such as two purpose-built mountain bike courses, a Go Ape high-wire course and osprey viewing areas.

"However, our offering for children has never reached those same standards. Now we are confident we will become as popular for kids as we already are with our regular adult visitors.”

Wildplay will replace an existing play area and will include a rope bridge, large slide, climbing features, a pushchair halfpipe, and water attractions.

The equipment will be designed to provide children with physical challenges to help improve balance, strength, aerobic fitness, co-ordination, risk taking and team work.

It is estimated that increased visitor numbers of 50,000 could bring a spending boost to both the forest and local retailers.

Aside from young families the facilities would also be used by schools and children with learning or physical disabilities.

Preparation work has already started. Wildplay is expected to be open by Easter next year.