A NEW woodland water park is just weeks away from opening in the Purbeck countryside.

The Dorset Waterpark, built on an 11 acre site near Corfe Castle, is on target for its public opening towards the end of April.

Mechanical diggers are currently removing up to 4,000 tonnes of silt from the main lake, which is one of three lakes which will eventually be used at the site.

And Olympic gold medal shooting star Peter Wilson is already lined up as guest of honour to cut the ribbon at the officially opening.

Dorset Waterpark director Liz Turner told the Daily Echo: “The best way to describe what we will have here is an inflatable assault course.

“On the main lake, which is the same size as two Olympic swimming pools, we are going to have a big assault course - a rectangular course made up of lots of different items.

“It is all modular so we will be able to swap things around very easily.

“One of the attractions will be an action tower, essentially an overhanging climbing wall.”

The course will include slides, a trampoline, gladiator rings, jumps, hurdles, rollers, monkey bars, bridges, balance beams and loads more.

There will also eventually be water zorbing on one of the smaller lakes.

Liz said: “Come and experience the park, tackle the obstacles, and compete against your family and friends.

“It is a beautiful part of the world and the view of Corfe Castle in the background is amazing. It is quite a special place.”

The site, a former fishing lake, was taken over by the company at Christmas.

The park, the first of its kind in Dorset, is scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, April 28.

It will offer one hour sessions for participants, who must be able to safely swim 50 metres, who are aged six and above.

It is situated on the B3351 Studland Road, about quarter of a mile from the A351 junction before Corfe Castle.

Visit dorsetwaterpark.co.uk for further details.