Bracknell Forest Council and The Lexicon have teamed up to bring the borough’s extensive tree strategy to life, bringing the UK’s largest forest giants to town.

From Friday, August 20 to Monday, August 30, the trees will be taking over the town centre, as part of a fabulous celebration of Bracknell’s forest.

Centre piece of the summer activity will be the three tree giants, the tallest of which stands 6.5 metres tall!  Towering above visitors, each Bracknell Forest Giant has a magical story to tell about the preservation and conservation of the amazing forests surrounding the town.

With the forest making up almost 40% of the borough’s landscape*, it is an invaluable community asset, for everyone to enjoy and understand how they can help preserve it for future generations.

The Bracknell Forest Giants experience will also see the launch of a new Forest Guardian programme, aimed at primary school age children in the borough.

The Forest Guardian programme will work with local schools in the autumn to encourage children to learn about the forest around them. It will also facilitate tree planting as part of the borough’s tree strategy. 

“Our trees, hedgerows and woodlands are such an important part of local life,” says Stephen Chown, head of parks and countryside at Bracknell Forest Council.  “Education, awareness and involvement with the borough’s forests will help more people to benefit from this fantastic natural resource.”

In addition to the Bracknell Forest Giants, visitors to The Lexicon will also be able to buy tickets for a magical storytelling show at The Forest Friends Den, hosted by Old Brack the Badger and Bright-Tail the Fox. 

There’s also a Bracknell Forest Giants’ Footprint trail to follow through the town centre, a host of musicians, performers and entertainers plus a programme of short presentations from specialists working in areas such as eco-diversity, forestry and mini beasts.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council says: “The pandemic has affected shopping centres across the country. This summer we have worked hard with The Lexicon team to create this incredible event that really tells the story of Bracknell Forest.

“The forest is a huge pull to the area, making Bracknell a fantastic place to live and work and play. Not only do these green spaces positively impact on local residents’ well-being but also help to attract visitors and businesses from a wider area.

“It is thrilling to see the importance of our forests being brought to life through the amazing Bracknell Forest Giants whilst firmly confirming our commitment to economic development in the borough.”

Visitors to The Lexicon won’t be able to miss the three enormous Bracknell Forest Giants.  The 6.5 metre tall Wise Woodland, will be located outside Bill’s, and is the guardian of the forest’s history. Lady Greenwood, located outside Marks & Spencer, is our own Mother Earth, looking after the smallest insect to the largest tree.  Watch her come to life with blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies.  The third giant is Little Acorn, located above The Entertainer, a playful young sapling, encouraging forest adventures and fun.

And make sure you check out the giant Forest Owl in Princess Square, watch and listen out for forest facts as it spreads its magnificent wings. 

Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon says:  “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the Bracknell Forest Giants event.  The tree giants alone will be an amazing sight but, coupled with the huge array of fun entertainment and educational elements, it is set to attract visitors to the town centre from far and wide.”