Lostock Hall mum builds nature trail for kids in lockdown

Student mental health nurse and avid runner, Andrea Davison, from Lostock Hall, thought of the idea after seeing smaller trails when on walks with her own children.

As a mum of two, she wanted to create something fun and engaging for children in the area who are enjoying the outdoors at Walton Park.

The laminated post at the start of the trail welcomes visitors to the 'fairy door trail', and states that children must find the total of 25 small wooden doors and share their photos to social media afterwards.

"It was the lockdown that inspired me to do it. Me and my children have been doing a lot of arts and crafts and thought we would make some small activities for children and their families," said Andrea.

"Its a pretty place to visit and thought it would be a nice thing to do for visitors. It's an easy and short trail and theres a duck pond there too, so its popular with families with children and dogs.

The woodland trail sits beside the tramway at Walton Park, off Wateringpool Lane and gives children a fantasy experience when enjoying the nature during lockdown.

Small wooden doors sit at the bottom of trees along the path, with glass trinkets and wooden hearts tied to tree branches along the way.

"I had seen similar trials when we have been on walks and I just thought it would be fun to do a full trial with my children, so I started looking online and ordered materials," said Andrea.

"I first thought of the idea about a month ago and it has taken quite a few weeks to put it together. I have painted everything with clear varnish to make it last longer in different weather conditions.

"Me and my son put them out yesterday and tested ourselves to see how many we could find on the way back. We only managed 21."