6th October 2011

 Half Term Story Trail

Does your child like stories? Then what could be more engaging than following a professional story teller around a countryside site, being spellbound as they relate tales and fables as they go. Interested?
Then come along to Hawley Meadows on Sunday 23rd October at 10.30am to join a special free Story Trail for some fun, fresh air and fables! 

So what is a Story Trail?  Well this initiative from Hampshire County Council’s Countryside Service involves a professional storyteller from Oranges Apples leading children – and parents – on an easy access, circular trail around a countryside site, relating fairy tales and stories based on the site along the way. The trail lasts about an hour and the aim is to entertain and engage children of all ages and abilities and provide an opportunity for families to enjoy some of Hampshire’s lovely countryside together.

Hawley Meadows lies in the heart of the Blackwater Valley and provides an ideal setting as it is one of the few sites that shows what the local landscape may have been like over 150 years ago. With the River Blackwater meandering its way through it, Hawley Meadows straddles the border between Surrey and Hampshire and offers a range of different habitats including wet grassland, open meadows, hedgerows and woodland.

The Hawley Meadows Story Trail is one of a series of six created by Hampshire County Council taking place over the half-term holidays from Saturday 22nd to Thursday 27th October. The others are at Staunton County Park in Havant; Butser Hill near Petersfield; Crab Wood near Winchester; Odiham Castle and Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley. All the stories are suitable for everyone from four years upwards and the trails provide a novel way of getting families out enjoy their local countryside.

Hawley Meadows, which is managed by the Blackwater Valley Countryside, is situated just north of the M3 on the west side of the A331 the entrance road is opposite Watchmoor Business Park. Post code GU15 3DT; grid reference  SU 850 590. If you would like to join the Story Trail there on Sunday 23rd October – or any of the others – pre-booking is essential online at www.hants.gov.uk/storytrails or by calling 01962 845713. Places are free and available first to children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs and their families. For more details visit the website.

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For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer,
Blackwater Valley Countryside, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS. Tel: 01252 331353.