IT was a popular hobby for many children in years gone by which resulted in scraped knees and muddy clothes but the art of tree climbing was rekindled at a north Norfolk holiday park this weekend. Reporter Sophie Wyllie went along to have a go.
IT was a popular hobby for many children in years gone by which resulted in scraped knees and muddy clothes but the art of tree climbing was rekindled at a north Norfolk holiday park this weekend. Reporter Sophie Wyllie went along to have a go.
“It takes you back to your childhood,” said Denise Doe, who was harnessed up ready to scale the large beech tree.
The London beautician, who was on holiday at Kelling Heath Holiday Park with her niece, nephew and sister, was one of many taking part in the outdoor experience of recreational tree climbing.
Led by Wiltshire-based Treefrog Climbing and the holiday park, the activity aimed to give children and adults a new experience which has become increasing popular in Britain over the last four years.
Martin Brockett, instructor and tree surgeon, said: “A lot of kids these days stay in and play on PlayStations and XBoxes.
“This activity builds their confidence. Kids don’t go out into the woods and climb trees so much nowadays.
“Through this they learn about trust because they are dangling 35ft up in the air.
“There are a lot of things they have to do at once.
“The hardest bit is getting the children up the first metre but once they get over that part they are gone.”
He added the activity also helped hand-eye co-ordination and listening skills.
Sarah Kemp, events co-ordinator for Kelling Heath Holiday Park, said: “We try to use the natural environment to focus our events on to inspire people to get outdoors and experience things they might not otherwise be able to do.
“We are trying to get children away from the video games.
“They really enjoy the tree climbing and it is nice to see them come alive.”
It was the first time Treefrog Climbing has run a recreational event in East Anglia – they mainly organise sessions for a range of people on the south coast.
The company was set up in 2006 and is run by five people, three of whom are tree surgeons.
For more information about Treefrog Climbing visit www.treefrogclimbing.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here