Youngsters are being asked to take part in a free adventure trail to find out which ‘zoo animals’ have been spotted across the Malvern Hills District.
The Lockdown Zoo Trail, which launched over the weekend on 31 July and runs until 31 August, will see a number of clues hidden across Great Malvern, Malvern Link and Barnards Green.
During lockdown, local artist Julie Thomas created hundreds of animals out of beads, ranging from birds and insects to mythological creatures, and turned them into her own Lockdown Zoo. The collection has been recognised nationally and featured on BBC Radio 5 Live and Newsround.
This large collection is currently being held at Malvern Library but some of the animals keep escaping around the towns. Local businesses have put up clues in their windows for children to work out which animals have been spotted across the town centres with a map to follow.
The trail aims to help kids go out and explore their local area, get some exercise and have some fun. The trail doesn’t have to be completed over one day but can be done over a few weeks.
It is taking place alongside the Malvern Library’s ‘Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge 2021’ which is being led by The Reading Agency and Worcestershire County Council through public libraries. Other activities are being held as part of this annual event.
Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We hope families and children will get involved in this fun new challenge which is the perfect activity if you’re stuck for things to do during the summer holidays. Why not pop into some shops along the way and show your support to local businesses”.
Participants will also have an opportunity to win a £40 book voucher for Malvern Book Co-operative when they take part.
Maps can be picked up from Malvern Tourist Information Centre, Malvern Library or can be downloaded from the webpage.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/lockdown-zoo for more information.
