FROM making your own fishing line, learning what different creatures eat and creating a slide for a pine cone – there are a whole host of fun activities for all the family on the new Superworm trail at Moors Valley Country Park.

The super-sensory attraction follows the Gruffalo and Gruffalo’s Child trails, all inspired by the magical stories of favourite children’s author Julia Donaldson.

Moors Valley is one of just 20 sites in the UK to open the activity trail, which has been designed especially by Forestry Commission England’s learning team, this year. It builds on the success of the previous trails across Forestry Commission sites, which attracted more than one million visitors.

Superworm is a hugely popular super-story by Julia Donaldson. Perfect for young children, it tells the tale of how a superhero worm and his mini beast friends defeat the villainous Wizard Lizard. Open from now until the end of October, the trail incorporates up to ten stops, taking participants on a leisurely stroll around the lake and back alongside the Moors Valley Railway, each offering activity ideas and questions.

The fun format is aimed at helping children use their super-senses to connect with the forest environment around them, with activities including a forest treasure hunt, a forest detective challenge and a sensory guessing game. Additional activities, created by the Youth Sports Trust, will also excite young explorers to become super-fit, just like Superworm himself.

My daughters, aged seven and five, particularly enjoyed having their own activities to try as each station features a question for younger children and one aimed at slightly older participants.

Special packs with additional things to do, including a sticker sheet, activity leaflet, string to make your own Superworm and a limited edition Superworm mini-book are also be available to buy in the Visitor Centre, although the trail can be followed without these if desired.

Superworm’s author Julia Donaldson said: “The characters in the book include ants, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, birds and reptiles, many of which can be found on the activity trails, bringing our woods and forests alive for young adventurers.”

  • To find out more about the Superworm trail, and other activities taking place at Moors Valley, visit moors-valley.co.uk or call the rangers on 01425 470721.
  • Visit forestry.gov.uk/superworm to sign up to the Forestry Commission England’s family activity database to be the first to hear more about the forest activities of Superworm and his friends.