A new free, fun- filled activity trail created by children for children and their families has been launched at Blairtummock Park in the east end of Glasgow.
Packed with multi-sensory activities, storytelling and games, the trail guides and encourages children to explore the different habitats in the park and the animals that live there. Beautifully illustrated by commissioned Scottish artist, Cara Rooney, the trail was co-created by local children over a series of workshops focusing on sharing with others the importance of the greenspace for people and wildlife as well as the small steps we can all take to look after the park.
The project was supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and commissioned through the Blairtummock and Rogerfield Partnership. Developed by Seven Lochs Project, Platform and The Pavillion, it is part of a wider initiative to connect people with their greenspaces.
The activity trail is available to download online at www.sevenlochs.org or by using the QR code found on the posts in Blairtummock Park. The activities are designed to use imagination and found materials but hard copies of the guide are available to pick up from Platform or digitally here.
Blairtummock Park can be accessed via Baldinnie Road (G34 9EE), adjacent to The Bridge.
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, Chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership and City Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets said ‘We want the Seven Lochs Wetland Park to a great place for people to discover the nature on their doorstep. Cara worked with kids from the local community to develop the Blairtummock Trail – which we hope will help others learn about the neighbourhood nature that they might meet on a walk round the park’.
‘As Chair of the Blairtummock and Rogerfield partnership I am absolutely delighted to be involved in this exciting piece of work. Huge thanks to Lindsay Farquharson from Seven Lochs and Matt Addicott from Platform for providing the resources and creative input on behalf of the partnership. We hope that this is the start of a journey which will turn this area into an exciting asset for the children and families in the local community.’ said Gerry Baldwin, Chair of Blairtummock and Rogerfield Partnership and CEO of FUSE & Pavillion.
Matt Addicott – Artistic Director, Platform, added: ‘We have really enjoyed working as part of the Blairtummock & Rogerfield Partnership and contributing to this project. Cara has worked closely with children and young people, listening to their ideas and imaginations. They have created a brilliant resource and we are excited to share and celebrate what they have made together. We hope people will head along, grab a guide and get active!”.
Images: Iain McLean
