'Story trail' through East Town Park in Haverhill made available to promote reading

A digital ‘story trail’ is being made available for families and community groups in Haverhill, promoting reading and encouraging residents to spend time outdoors.

The story – featuring ‘Link the Lizard’ – is told through QR codes, which those taking part can scan.

The codes have been fixed around East Town Park.

The trail is the result of a collaboration between Get Suffolk Reading and West Suffolk Council.

Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading’s project manager for the Haverhill area, said: “We’re excited to bring a new story trail to the Haverhill community that can be enjoyed whenever families visit East Town Park.

“This first story has been a wonderful team effort, with the story coming from a community workshop and the illustrations from pupils at Place Farm Primary, St Felix Primary and local families.

“I think everyone will love joining Link on their quest to learn ways to keep happy, calm and well.”

The project is being supported by locality budget funding provided by Cllr Tony Brown, who represents the Haverhill South East ward on West Suffolk Council, and Cllr Jason Crooks, who represents Haverhill South.

The two have issued a joint statement welcoming the initiative’s launch.

They said: “This is a great community collaboration, designed to encourage families to go out and explore the local park together, helping with their health and wellbeing as well as boosting their reading skills.

“It is a fantastic initiative that, we think, will not only benefit the local community, but also has the potential to grow in other parts of the town and West Suffolk, and we are delighted to be able to support it.”

A trail map is available for download, and can be found at bit.ly/3Twyrhn

The trail is only the first of its kind, with a second route being planned around a clearing near Sandra’s Meadow.