Explore the forests after hours to support WWF Earth Hour

To support WWF Earth Hour Forestry Commission England is hosting a series of twilight activities throughout March, allowing visitors to the forest, to explore it after dark!

WWF Earth Hour is a global annual celebration where millions of people switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about the planet. It’s a symbolic and spectacular lights out display with a big message – we want to protect the future of our planet!

Embrace the dark by switching off your lights from 8.30 – 9.30pm on 19 March 2016, or attend one of our many Earth Hour events. You can also explore your local forest at twilight with one of our fun activity sheets for a great after-school activity.

What will you discover after dark? Our forests are the perfect place for night-time magic, star-gazing, storytelling and animal spotting. Wrap up warm, grab your torch and head along to one of our forests for an after dark adventure!

Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk
Visit Rendlesham for a Dark Forest guided walk. On 19 March, Wild Woods will lead you on a forest trail where you will get the opportunity to gaze at stars, look out for night animals and experience some night-time magic. The walk will last approximately 2 hours, booking is essential.

Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria
Explore the forest by twilight. Families can join us for an evening adventure in the forest, exploring the woods on earth walk then enjoying hot chocolate and storytelling around a campfire. Booking is essential and costs £2 per adult, £1 per child.

Kielder Castle at Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
Kielder Castle will be hosting the spring Kielder Star camp on 2 – 6 March. A gathering of astronomers from all over the UK to observe, stargaze and photograph the astronomical wonders of the night sky. If you are a beginner, there will be some talks to enjoy on 5 March between 12 – 4pm and even an opportunity for solar observing if the sun is shining. All activities are free of charge.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Enjoy a star walk through the forest, led by professional Astronomer, Robert Ince. Robert will explain the constellations and their mythology, unlocking the mystery of the night’s sky. Booking is required and costs £10 per adults and £5 per child. Included is free parking and free refreshments.

Gisburn Forest, Lancashire
Recently receiving its Dark Sky Discovery Site status, visit Gisburn Forest for some star-gazing. Wrap yourself up and be in awe of night’s sky as the cosmos magically reveals itself.

Hamsterley Forest, Durham
Hamsterley forest is hosting two magnificent events in celebration of Earth Hour. On 2 March, 7.30 – 10.00pm guests will have the opportunity to see Jupiter, King of the planets. Gaze at the amazing cloud bands of Jupiter and the famous Great Red Spot, a massive hurricane that has lasted for hundreds of years! On 25 March, the forest will again open its doors between 7.30 – 10.00pm, allowing guests to take in the magnificent star clusters. These beautiful collections of jewels in the night’s sky make excellent objects to see with binoculars or with a small telescope.

Tickets for both events are £7.50 and should be brought from the café in advance, or book online at http://starryskiesathamsterley.eventbrite.com/

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Come and take part in a twilight self-led trail and find out which animals are active at dawn and dusk, and why they like these dimly lit hours. The trail will be in place on 19 and 20 March and the Forest will open between 7.30am and 8pm on these days. The Twilight Trail is self-led so visitors can take part at a time that suits them.

To make the most of your local woods and forests, the Forestry Commission Discovery Pass covers your parking charges for a year. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/pass for more information.