Alice Holt Forest welcomed a very special surprise visitor in its deep dark woods last week as Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, dropped by to see its new Gruffalo character sculptures.

Four new sculptures of Gruffalo characters Squirrel, Snake, Owl and Fox have been unveiled on Alice Holt’s Timberline play trail this Easter – bringing the children’s author’s beloved story to life.

The specially sculpted characters are completely unique. Each sculpture made for Forestry England is different so you’ll never see two the same.

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson meets staff in Alice Holt's Visitor Centre
Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson meets staff in Alice Holt's Visitor Centre (Alice Holt Forest)

They add to existing sculptures of other woodland characters from the popular Julia Donaldson story – the Gruffalo, Gruffalo’s Child and Mouse.

The short 0.3 mile Timberline trail is suitable for the whole family, leading from Alice Holt’s cafe area to the fun-filled Timberline play area and onto its Habitat trail.

A Gruffalo Party trail has also been launched at Alice Holt Forest to celebrate the book’s 25th anniversary, costing £4.

Four new Gruffalo-themed sculptures have been unveiled at Alice Holt Forest – featuring characters Owl, Fox, Squirrel and Snake
Four new Gruffalo-themed sculptures have been unveiled at Alice Holt Forest – featuring characters Owl, Fox, Squirrel and Snake (Alice Holt Forest)