A NEW walking trail has been launched at Colchester beauty spot, providing a fun and educational way for people of all ages to explore wildlife.

The Tracing Trail, in High Woods Country Park, features 11 laser-cut panels depicting different plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds which can be found in the park.

The panels are located along a unique walking route which takes in parts of the Red Route, Blue Route, Butterfly Ride, and Easy Access Trail.

Gazette: Panels - Traceable panels show different species that can be found in the parkPanels - Traceable panels show different species that can be found in the park (Image: Colchester Borough Council)

The whole Tracing Trail is also wheelchair and buggy friendly.

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People can bring their own pencils or crayons and scrap paper to trace the images on the panels, or they can purchase a trail map booklet from the Visitor Centre for £2.

The trail map booklet also includes extra information about each of the animals and plants depicted on the panels.

Councillor Martin Goss, the portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and waste said: "We are delighted to launch this new Tracing Trail at High Woods Country Park.

Gazette: Trail - the trail map booklet also includes extra information about each of the animals and plants depicted on the panelsTrail - the trail map booklet also includes extra information about each of the animals and plants depicted on the panels (Image: Colchester Borough Council)

"This is a great way for people to learn about the park’s wildlife and to enjoy a fun and active day out.

"The opening of the Tracing Trail is a great way to celebrate Love Parks Week, which takes place from July 28 to August 6 and aims to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy their parks."


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The Tracing Trail is just one of the many ways people can enjoy High Woods Country Park.

The park also features a lake, a network of walking and cycling trails, and a Visitor Centre.

The Visitor Centre has also just started stocking a range of locally sourced food and drink, including sausage rolls, spinach and feta rolls, pork pies, and vegetable samosas from local baker Brown Bread Bakery.

The cakes, with vegan and low gluten options available, are supplied by Sussex-based Finest Cakes and all pair well with the freshly ground coffee on offer, which is served in compostable cups and uses 100 per cent recyclable packaging.

For more information about the Tracing Trail or High Woods Country Park, visit colchester.gov.uk/country-park.