THRILLSEEKERS could be swinging through the trees under plans put forward to build Oxfordshire’s first high ropes course.

Husband and wife team David and Lisa Pointin, of Thames Street, Oxford, have applied for permission to create an adventure course in the trees at Furze Brake, Culham.

The site, formerly used by the Royal Navy, will allow adventurers to explore different layers of the woodland, using a canopy walk, rope bridges and zip lines.

As well as the adventure course, Mr and Mrs Pointin want to create a centre for people to learn about the birds living in the woodland’s heronry.

Mr Pointin already owns a laser tag business which operates in the woods, where he has a long lease.

He said: “We’ve got a young son, but we found there wasn’t a lot in Oxfordshire for kids to do in terms of adventures and keeping healthy.

“Due to the site formerly being owned by the Royal Navy, it’s really unique, with much of the infrastructure already in place.

“We want to get kids excited about the outdoors and also we’ve developed an educational programme around the herons, which will be available for youth groups and schools.”

Courses would involve people travelling through the tree tops while attached to a harness and safety line.

People will be able to view herons from the trees in their natural habitat and see the birds building their nests, laying their eggs and nurturing their young.

Webcams will also be installed so people can watch online.

Mrs Pointin said: “A healthy two- or three-hour adventure swinging through the trees is just what Oxfordshire needs.

“In school holidays, we will work with local councils to provide affordable and accessible fun adventure days for children aged between eight and 15.”

South Oxfordshire District Council is due to make a decision on the planning application by March.

If successful, Mr and Mrs Pointin hope the centre will be ready by the summer.