Money does grow on trees for Go Ape - the high wire forest adventure with two attractions in Kent that is one of the fastest-growing enterprises in the UK.

The six-year-old company is ranked 71st in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, a listing of the nation’s high-flying private businesses.

Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure - its mission statement is "Live Life More Adventurously" - has seen sales grow by nearly 64 per cent - from £1.4m to £6.1m - in the past three years.

The company employs 275 people and operates 17 courses, including Leeds Castle and Bedgebury Forest. Four more courses are planned for 2009 and Go Ape is on target for 40 courses by 2012.

More than a million people have swung through the trees on Go Ape courses.

Founded in Suffolk by husband and wife team Tristram and Rebecca Mayhew in 2002, the Go Ape concept was born in France when the couple discovered a tree top adventure course set deep in the Auvergne National Forest.

Mr Mayhew said: "Being recognised for our financial success is great. However the driver for us has never been sales, it’s more about creating and growing a business we can be proud of.

"Good jobs don’t grow on trees and our success has allowed us to create exciting jobs in 17 different regions to date and grow our team to over 250. I am extremely proud of everyone who works with us; highly motivated people who believe in our ethos of living life adventurously."

Mrs Mayhew, one of only eight female company founders listed in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table, added: "It has been a fantastic journey over the last six years.

"We are extremely privileged to work with such a fantastic team of people who ensure that our customers have a 'wow' experience."