Theatre celebrates planting of 1.6 million trees

Squashbox Theatre said it was bringing its 'Tale from the Trees' to Camborne and Newquay in September

Families are being invited to a free theatre show celebrating the fifth year of Forest for Cornwall, which has planted 1.6 million trees across the county.

Squashbox Theatre said it was bringing its show, called Tales from the Trees, to Camborne and Newquay to celebrate the Cornwall Council initiative.

Forest for Cornwall has supported the planting of 1.6 million trees in more than 1,000 locations across the duchy since it was launched.

The council said Newquay and Camborne were selected for performances after local town councils and residents showed support for the scheme.

It said: "Around 1,500 saplings have been planted by residents in the two towns. A further 132 street trees have been planted in Newquay and 160 in Camborne."

Craig Johnson from Squashbox said the performance features puppetry, storytelling, live music, and comedy.

He said: "Come and find out and along the way learn how to identify different trees, discover the wonder of photosynthesis, meet some friendly forest creatures and encounter crazy characters from folklore and fairy tales."

The events are suitable for children aged four and above and their families, the council added.

The first show takes place at Killacourt in Newquay on 1 September between 11:00 and 12:00 BST. The second show takes place at Camborne Library on 27 September between 10:30 and 11:30, which does need to be pre-booked.

'Fuel their imaginations'

Cllr Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries and culture at the council, said about 7,500 young people in the county have signed up for the Story Garden-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2025.

"It's brilliant to see children connecting with nature through reading, and I'm sure these creative performances will further help fuel their imaginations as they learn about trees and wildlife," she said.