Aha! Oho! What will you find along the new Gruffalo Trail?

Well, not exactly tracks in the snow, but this summer visitors to Moors Valley can explore the Forest on a special self-led Trail with characters from the well-loved children’s story – The Gruffalo.

Children all over the country will instantly recognise the spellbinding characters from The Gruffalo; Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best selling children’s picture book.

Recently described by The Observer as a ‘modern classic’, The Gruffalo tells the magical tale of a mouse who takes a walk though the woods in search of a nut. Encountering three predators who all wish to eat him – a fox, an owl and a snake – the plucky mouse has to use his wits to survive, creating an imaginary monster who then turns out to be only too real.

Education Ranger Tracy Standish said, “We are thrilled to be given permission to bring the classic children’s tale to our own ‘deep dark wood’ at Moors Valley where we have wild versions of each of the animal characters.

“We are keen to promote the value of a walk in the woods and some of our wonderful British wildlife”.

The self-guided trail will include questions to test both knowledge of the story and nature using some of Axel Scheffler’s classic artwork. Plus there will also be the chance to try out some activities along the way – can you make a house for a mouse or collect a natural colour to match each of the story characters?

A great way to enjoy a family walk, keeping children enthused and entertained along the way whilst enjoying fresh air, visitors can join the Gruffalo Trail at Moors Valley daily until 2nd September 2012. Just pick up a trail card (£2) from the Visitor Centre anytime between 10.30am and 5.00pm.

Everyone taking part will also be entered into a prize draw to win a whole host of Gruffalo and Moors Valley goodies.

About The Gruffalo and other books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler:

Published by Macmillan Childrens Books, The Gruffalo celebrated its tenth anniversary last year with over 4m copies sold worldwide.

Among our other favourites by the same talentued duo are

• The Snail and The Whale
• Room on the Broom
• The Gruffalo’s Child
• Tiddler, the story-telling fish
• A Squash and a Squeeze
• Monkey Puzzle

Due to be released September 2012 is the super-long super-strong Superworm.

Click here to pre-order Superworm on Amazon.

About Moors Valley Country Park and Forest:

Moors Valley is the third most visited Country Park in the UK and offers a great value day out for families with plenty of play areas including the extremely popular Play Trail, family walk and cycle trails, Cycle Hire Centre, Tree Top Trail and the first Go Ape Tree Top Junior Course.

For more information on forthcoming events visit the Moors Valley website at www.moors-valley.co.uk or call 01425 470721.

Many thanks to Jacqui from Mummy’s Little Monkey for the heads up on this lovely day out with the kids, and for the press office for providing oodles of information for us to share with you.