Three Story Trails Launch Across the New Forest to Inspire Outdoor Family Adventure

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A group of children and adults sit on a large log outside, listening to a woman in a dress and hat speaking in a sunny, wooded area—a perfect setting for a Family Adventure along the enchanting Story Trails of the New Forest.
A group of children and adults sit on a large log outside, listening to a woman in a dress and hat speaking in a sunny, wooded area—a perfect setting for a Family Adventure along the enchanting Story Trails of the New Forest.

Families across the New Forest will have more opportunities to get active outdoors this summer with the launch of three interactive Story Trails in Ringwood, Holbury and Dibden Purlieu, thanks to physical activity charity Energise Me.

Combining walking, storytelling and creative challenges, the free family-friendly adventures encourage children and their families to explore local history, wildlife and green spaces while being active together.

The three trails are:

  • The King’s Lost Coin – Ringwood Town Centre (launched 12 July)
  • Weird Wildlife – Forest Front, Dibden Purlieu (launched 6 July)
  • The Clueless Elf – Holbury Manor Park (launched 9 July)

In Ringwood, families can help Max and Mia uncover the mystery of the King’s Lost Coin as they follow clues through the town centre.

A group of children and adults walk in a line through a sunny, grassy field bordered by trees, embarking on a family adventure along the Story Trails of the New Forest, heading towards buildings in the distance.
A group of children and adults walk in a line through a sunny, grassy field bordered by trees, embarking on a family adventure along the Story Trails of the New Forest, heading towards buildings in the distance.

Written and illustrated by Daisy Kate, the quest was created to celebrate 800 years of Ringwood Market and developed in partnership with Culture in Common, Ringwood Town Council, The Ringwood Society and local schools.

Copies can be collected from Ringwood Library, with the official launch taking place during the Ringwood Market 800 celebrations on Saturday 12 July.

At Forest Front, Weird Wildlife, written and illustrated by Simon Chadwick, introduces families to a collection of imaginative creatures while exploring heathland, ponds and open green space.

Co-created with pupils from Wildground Junior School, the trail encourages children to discover nature through adventure and play.

Meanwhile, The Clueless Elf, also written and illustrated by Simon Chadwick, takes families on a journey through Holbury co-created to help a forgetful elf recover his missing belongings.

A man wearing sunglasses and a cap reads a book to a group of young children in hats outdoors. The kids, dressed in red and white, listen attentively as they enjoy this Family Adventure along Story Trails in the sunny, wooded area of the New Forest.
A man wearing sunglasses and a cap reads a book to a group of young children in hats outdoors. The kids, dressed in red and white, listen attentively as they enjoy this Family Adventure along Story Trails in the sunny, wooded area of the New Forest.

The story was co-created with pupils from Manor Church of England Infant School and Cadland Primary School.

The projects form part of Energise Me’s goal to make physical activity more accessible, enjoyable and meaningful for children and families.

By combining movement, storytelling and local discovery, the Story Trails encourage people to connect with the places where they live.

The Weird Wildlife and The Clueless Elf Story Trail were funded through Energise Me’s Place in Focus programme, supported by the Sport England Place Universal Offer, and delivered in partnership with New Forest District Council.

Around 3,000 copies of each Story Trail will be distributed through schools, libraries, community venues and visitor information points.

Digital versions of all three Story Trails are available using the links included with this release and will also be accessible via QR codes displayed at approved locations.