“Save Hundred Acre Wood”

The Clare Milne Trust is delighted to share that award‑winning actor, comedian and writer Rosie Jones will play Clare Milne in Save the Hundred Acre Wood, a new BBC Radio 4 drama marking the centenary of Winnie‑the‑Pooh.

Rosie Jones known for her BAFTA‑nominated work and advocacy for disabled representation in the arts, brings warmth, humour and insight to the role of Clare, helping to bring her story and spirit to a national audience.

“We are looking forward to tuning in on the day,” said Kevin Underwood, Chair of The Clare Milne Trust, the charity committed to ensuring Clare’s legacy has the greatest possible impact. “Our trustees are proud that Clare is being so naturally portrayed, and that her name will reach new listeners through this beautifully crafted drama. By casting a prominent actress who shares Clare’s lived experience with cerebral palsy, the BBC ensures that her story is told with absolute authenticity, respect, and dignity. Rosie’s natural voice brings an irreplaceable realism to this audio production. It is a powerful validation of the very inclusion, visibility, and community empowerment that The Clare Milne Trust continues to support today.”

Written by Edward Kemp and directed by Jeremy Mortimer, the play tells the true story of the campaign to protect Ashdown Forest, the real‑life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood. The play explores how Christopher Robin Milne the passionate efforts to preserve the landscape that inspired his father’s most famous creation. The drama is part of BBC Radio 4’s Winnie‑the‑Pooh 100 season and will be broadcast on Saturday 17 October at 3pm, also available on BBC Sounds.

In the play, Rosie Jones voices Clare Milne, granddaughter of A.A. Milne and daughter of the real Christopher Robin. Clare lived with cerebral palsy yet through her strong spirit, positivity and character made the most of her life, having fun and gaining many friends. Her mother Lesley’s dream was “to know that my girl will be remembered for something that brings happiness where it is most needed” so she established The Clare Milne to support people with disabilities throughout Devon and Cornwall. The Trust continues that mission today, awarding grants to charities and not for profit organisations that enable disabled people to live full and active lives.

The Rosie Jones Foundation was established in 2025 by Rosie Jones and CEO Ailing O’Connor “we are on a mission to empower lives and change minds so that no person living with cerebral palsy feels alone or unheard”.

Drama on 4: Save the Hundred Acre Wood

Saturday 17 October, 3.00pm, BBC Radio 4

A new play by Edward Kemp exploring the effort to save Ashdown Forest, the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood, and Christopher Robin Milne’s role in the campaign. Starring Robert Bathurst, Lia Williams, Rosie Jones and Anton Lesser, with music by Sarah Homer. Directed by Jeremy Mortimer. Produced by Reduced Listening for BBC Radio 4.

For more information:

The Clare Milne Trust

Rosie Jones

The Rosie Jones Foundation

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