A whirlwind of wonder has descended upon Ashdown Forest, the enchanting East Sussex landscape that sparked AA Milne's imagination in creating Winnie-the-Pooh's idyllic world. As part of the 'Big One Hundred' celebrations – a free festival commemorating 100 years of the beloved bear and his friends – an extraordinary resident has captured the hearts of schoolchildren: Poppet, a mesmerising puppet with an otherworldly aura.
This fantastical creature, crafted by costume designer Jack Irving and brought to life by a team of 10 award-winning puppeteers, is described as a shapeshifting being with a striking tubular nose and piercing adder-inspired eyes. Its iridescent patches and vibrant, psychedelic purple hue evoke the very essence of high summer in Ashdown Forest – an explosion of colour that's leaving youngsters awestruck.
As Poppet morphs from a caterpillar into a bird and then a 'munching monster', children can't help but speculate on its origins – is it an alien, dinosaur, or dragon? One thing's for sure: this enchanting creation has them under its spell. But what's fascinating is that Poppet's true purpose is not to dazzle the young audience, but to foster a connection between children and nature. By making gorse and bracken its snacks of choice, Trigger – an outdoor arts charity behind the project – aims to inspire families to engage with the wonders of the natural world.
Angie Bual, creative director at Trigger, explains that theatre and outdoor arts can profoundly change people's perception and value a place. Collaborating with local schoolchildren, Angie developed Poppet, which she believes imbues Ashdown Forest with a unique magic – just like Christopher Robin's imaginative play in the forest.
AA Milne's stories, brought to life by EH Shepard's iconic illustrations, not only introduced us to Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends but also vividly depicted the beauty of Ashdown Forest. This 2,500-hectare expanse – just 35 miles from London – has remarkably retained its character despite the intense development in the South East over the past century. Its heaths provide a haven for rare species like the silver-studded blue butterfly, adder, nightjar, and Dartford warbler.
It's a testament to the ongoing conservation efforts that have saved Ashdown Forest from threats in the 1980s – thanks in part to Christopher Robin Milne himself. Today, the heathland is owned by the local council and managed as a common and nature reserve by a committee of conservators. The 'Big One Hundred' festival, through Poppet and its outdoor performances, aims to spark new stories, connections, and a deeper appreciation for this precious landscape.