Update on Gruffalo Trail at Herefordshire's Queenswood

The Gruffalo sculpture trail at Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum is to be refreshed in time for visitors to enjoy over summer.

The six sculptures will be removed on May 29, when they will be repaired and repainted before being returned to the arboretum by June 12. Steve Elsby, who originally carved the wooden sculptures in 2016, will lead the restoration.

Thousands of children have enjoyed the trail since its installation, a spokesperson for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust said. The short route runs through the arboretum on surfaced paths and is suitable for children of all ages. The paths are suitable for pushchairs and mobility scooters and there is no charge to follow the trail helping to keep it accessible to as many children as possible.

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Alongside the sculptures runs a Gruffalo quiz trail which children can complete as they follow the trail and win a small prize for each completed quiz.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s commercial manager Max Smith said: “The Gruffalo Trail has inspired so many families to get outdoors and explore the woods at Queenswood. It’s a great introduction to the woods and their wildlife and families return many times to enjoy the trail. We’re excited to be able to refresh the trail this year and get the Gruffalo and his friends looking their best for the busy summer season.”

As well as the Gruffalo Trail, Queenswood has a woodland playground, waymarked trails, café and gift shop.

There is also a packed programme of events for all ages taking place year round.