‘The Big One Hundred’ is a magical new story for Ashdown Forest, where interactive performances, heathland walks and shared encounters reveal a curious new creature and invite audiences to write the Forest’s next chapter.
One hundred years ago, A.A Milne wrote about mythical beasts the Heffalump and Woozle living in the Hundred Acre Wood. Lead artists Trigger are now creating a brand-new character that will live in the Forest for the next 100 years.
The new character is a large and playful puppet that will feature characteristics of the rare heathland and species of Ashdown Forest, including the Dormouse, the Silver-studded Butterfly, the Adder, the Tiger Beetle and Nightjar. The puppet will be bought to life by eight performers and crafted using natural and reclaimed materials that echo the landscape. Audiences will encounter the creature through gentle, interactive performances while discovering how it cares for its forest friends, sparking curiosity, care, and a sense of wonder for the world around us.
Local children, families, and community groups will be invited to help imagine the Forest’s newest inhabitant, which will be revealed at Ashdown Forest during the school summer holidays before touring to locations across the district. Alongside this, five new walks will guide visitors deeper into the landscape, inviting you to learn more about the Forest’s unique and extraordinary wildlife.
