CHILDREN can launch imaginary campaigns and strategies from atop a new 'play fort' which has recently opened at the Moors Valley Country Park.

The forest-themed fort, Bewildernest, covers 120 square metres and reaches 7.5 metres at its highest point.

Rangers at the park say the structure, one of the largest play areas at the site, is inspired by "wild play and the magic of the forest".

It features a maze of tunnels, a six-metre high periscope look-out tower and an ogre's lair, as well as a slide. The structure was created especially for Moors Valley by company Earth Wrights. It can be found on the park's 'play trail'.

Linda Laker, Forestry England’s recreation manager for Dorset, said: "This is a truly large scale play structure and one of our most adventurous yet.

"There are lots of different areas for children to explore and ways for them to challenge themselves.

"We hope they and their families will really enjoy trying them all out.

"We couldn’t add new equipment like this without the funds raised by car parking and we would like to thank visitors to the park for supporting us in this way."

Made from over 13 cubic metres of timber, the Bewildernest has also been created with some other guests in mind.

Native planting incorporated in the nest will offer a habitat for wildlife with many small animals and minibeasts expected to make it their home.

Moors Valley has a host of play areas for children.

On the mile-long play trail, children can explore inside a giant ant nest, wriggle through giant snakes, and attempt the crocodile crossing.

To get a bird’s eye view of the forest they can also follow the 'tree top trail', a wooden walkway which is five metres high and 200 metres long.

In addition, there are two imaginative play areas close to the visitor centre.

The adventure play area is specifically designed for older children with a zip slide, huge space net and fortress of towers.

Last year, a new fairytale-themed play area opened at the park.

The 'enchanted woods' play area has 12 pieces of hand-carved wooden equipment based on characters from stories including Hansel and Gretel.

The pieces are carved from sustainably-sourced wood, including coppiced sweet chestnut. For more information, visit moors-valley.co.uk