THE Forestry Commission is inviting nature lovers to go DIY and claim their slice of a forest experience.

A novel "rent-a-ranger" initiative has been unveiled at Kielder Castle, allowing people to organise tailor-made ranger-led family or group activities in the 155,000 acre forest.

Ranger Bernie McFadden said the service has been offered to school groups for years - but now it was time to target the general public.

He said: "These days people want to be flexible and do their own thing in the forest at a time which is convenient.

"We're here to help them do just that, whether it's staging a party or taking the entire family on a nature trek.

"We can also help organise events which people can lead themselves."

The choice of rent-a-ranger activities include orienteering, cyclo-orienteering, games, walks, cycle rides and the chance to go on mini-bus deer watches, or take a group to see huge harvesting machines in action.

For further details, contact (01434) 250209.