"Give me your buns and your biscuits!" isn’t the usual demand from a highwayman but then The Highway Rat isn’t your usual highwayman.

A creation of award-winning author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, the swashbuckling rodent got his first TV airing with the BBC on Christmas Day.

With his sweet tooth and voracious appetite, this naughty hero was a delight for little ones.

Now they can follow him through the woods on a forest adventure with a new Forestry Commission Highway Rat Activity Trail, which has been launched at Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst and Jeskyns near Gravesend.

There are 10 themed panels, each with fun facts and activities to try along the way. Young visitors can pick up an activity pack for £3, with stickers, puzzles and a Highway Rat mask, or download an activity sheet online to take part.

As you go, look out for characters from the story, complete four rubbings and take your picture with the life-sized Highway Rat Wanted poster.

Visitors are also encourage to share their pictures on social media with #TheHighwayRat.

There is also a competition for the best cave painting, inside the activity pack, with the chance to win a Highway Rat soft toy.

It follows on from the pinetum’s previous popular trails, featuring other creations by the pair, The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

THE HIGHWAY RAT ON TV

The Highway Rat was the BBC’s fifth helping of page-to-screen family fun from Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.

Published in 2011, the tale follows a swashbuckling rodent, complete with mask and cape, who terrorises animals along the highway, stealing their food at every opportunity. Clover from a rabbit, nuts from a squirrel and a leaf from some ants – he even steals his own horse’s hay, bellowing: “Give me your buns and your biscuits! Give me your chocolate eclairs! For I am the Rat of the highway and the Rat Thief never shares!”

The greedy protagonist was voiced by former Doctor Who David Tennant, with Nina Sosanya and Tom Hollander voicing the duck and the squirrel, Frances de le Tour voicing the rabbit and Rob Brydon narrating.

WHERE TO GET ON THE TRAIL

You can find Bedgebury Pinetum at Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ. You can also call 01580 879820, email bedgebury@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit forestry.gov.uk/highwayrat.

Find Jeskyns at forestry.gov.uk/forestry/beeh-ajccwk.