A free family event with storytelling, puppets and other activities is on offer at a community woodland near Whitehaven as West Cumbria Rivers Trust celebrate the launch of a ‘Tale Trails’ map.

The drop-in event at Walkmill Community Woodland, from 10am until 3pm on Saturday, April 22, will include a copy of the Tale Trails map and wildflower seed ball making activities. The Laal Collective will also be on site with their puppets and craft activities for children of all ages.

The Tale Trail is a 1-2 hour self-guided family walk billed as ‘A Story Walk Through Time’ with lots of fun information about the history of the site, local folklore, as well as pointers on what nature to keep an eye out for all contained on a lovely hand-drawn map created by local storyteller Anja Phoenix.

Whitehaven News: Family fun at Walkmill Community WoodlandFamily fun at Walkmill Community Woodland (Image: Supplied)

Walkmill Community Woodland is located in Moresby Parks, near Whitehaven.

A former coalmine, the site was reclaimed as a community woodland. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, West Cumbria Rivers Trust manage the site in partnership with Moresby Parish Council as part of ‘A Wilder Walkmill’ project.

The site is 36 hectres brimming with wildlife including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, adders, lizards, frogs, deer, foxes, badgers and red squirrels. Maps will be available on the day at the small car park, located on the Moresby Parks to Frizington road.

Sarah Clarke, West Cumbria Rivers Trust’s (WCRT) assistant project officer at the site, said: “We’ve loved working with talented local storyteller Anja Phoenix to develop this vibrant and informative map for families.

"We’d encourage everyone to come along for a lovely day out. It’s a great space for children to run around, explore and learn more about nature – there’ll be some great activities for them to get involved in too.”