A SERIES of new walking trails have been launched to help residents explore the stunning surroundings of Castle Park during lockdown.

Colchester Council's park rangers have created three new trails which are suitable for under fives, ages six to 12 and for teens and adults.

The trails can be downloaded online and printed at home, or enjoyed on a smartphone or tablet.

Gazette: steve brading..10-08-15 sb .Castle Park, Colchester..steve brading..10-08-15 sb .Castle Park, Colchester..

  • A quiet Castle Park last year

The three new trails are:

• Wildlife Trail, for under 5’s

• Wildlife Trail, for teens and adults

• Art trail (designed for 6-12yrs but will inspire anyone to draw)

The council says those on their local lockdown walk will have the chance to see Castle Park through new eyes, whilst exploring areas which are vital for its wildlife, including bats, birds, squirrels, fish, dragonflies and more.

These new trails join the two already existing History Trails, for six to 12-year-olds and teens and adults, and the Junior Ranger Wildlife Trail, which were both launched in October 2020.

Gazette: The river through Castle Park.The river through Castle Park.

  • Castle Park is a haven for wildlife

Colchester Council's waste, environment and transportation boss Martin Goss said: “The feedback from the first three trails we launched in October has been lovely to hear, so I’m really pleased to be launching these new downloadable trails for Castle Park.

"They have been developed by our Castle Park Ranger Team to help visitors discover and learn about the park, whist enjoying the award-winning green space.

“They can be enjoyed now by those who live local to Castle Park on their lockdown walk, and then visitors from further afield once lockdown ends.”

Gazette: A cylist and dog walker, the only ones in lower Castle Park.A cylist and dog walker, the only ones in lower Castle Park.

  • You should only visit Castle Park if you live nearby

Residents are urged to comply with Government guidance on coronavirus when exercising.

This means not travelling outside your local area, limiting it to once per day and only exercising by yourself or those you live with, with your support bubble (where applicable) or, when on your own, with one person from another household.

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Castle Park trails also supports the aims of Livewell Colchester, a campaign which helps to support residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

To find out more about the Livewell campaign in Essex, please visit livewellcampaign.co.uk.

To download the trails or find out more, visit colchester.gov.uk/castle-park.