Beautiful pink magnolias and carpets of daffodils will be on display across the landscape
Wakehurst is a wonderful spring day out(Image: Ollie Dixon © RBG Kew)
A new outdoor trail is opening at a wild botanical garden near Surrey this spring.
Octonauts: Above and Beyond is a family walk opening at Wakehurst in Haywards Heath on March 28 in time for the Easter school holidays.
Celebrating the buzzing world of pollinators, the route, 20 minutes drive south of Gatwick Airport, is designed to spark curiosity while giving families a hands-on way to explore the pollination research taking place across the gardens.
Inspired by The Honeybee Rescue episode as seen on CBeebies, budding explorers will discover the challenges facing pollinators in ecosystems around the globe, following the daring crew’s mission of explore, rescue, protect.
The Easter adventure comes during Wakehurst’s year of connecting to nature, as the gardens have been transformed into a living laboratory through Nature Connectedness wellbeing research, investigating how different habitats and sensory experiences shape our emotional responses to the natural world.
This new family trail will encourage visitors of all ages to engage with nature in new ways, inspiring a passion to protect it.
Photo points along the way offer moments to capture memories of this collaborative adventure, and young explorers can take home their reward for completing the mission – an embroidered Octonauts badge, to iron on to their Nature Heroes cape (available for purchase).
During the multi-sensory trail, walkers will be able to see beautiful pink magnolia, bold rhododendron and carpets of pastel daffodils across the landscape.
Eva Owen, public engagement manager, said: “At Wakehurst, everything we do is rooted in inspiring people to explore the natural world and feel empowered to rescue and protect it, so partnering with Octonauts: Above and Beyond is a perfect fit.
“The crew’s mission mirrors our own commitment to curiosity, and it’s a joyful way to spark wonder while nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
“We hope to see many budding young ecologists enjoying the trail this Easter, taking home a badge as a memento of the day, but also equipped with practical skills to protect our pollinators.”
Beyond the main family trail, Wakehurst’s landscape is open for a world of exploration, whether that’s messy play in the Mud Kitchen, exploring the woodland play area, Tree Trunk Trek, or seeking out spring in full bloom across the gardens.
How to visit Wakehurst
Opening dates: March 28 to April 12, 10am to 4pm.Price: Normal garden entry, children under 16 free. Wakehurst and Kew members free. Trail costs £7 for mission pack and badge, £5 for members.Address: Selsfield Road, Haywards Heath. RH17 6TN.Tickets: To book visit kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/octonauts.
Comments are closed.