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NEW INTERACTIVE MAP EXPERIENCE UNCOVERS TRAILS & TALES IN CALDERSTONES PARK
Visitors to Calderstones Park can now embark on a journey of discovery and literary delight thanks to a new digital park map curated by charity , The Reader .
The Trails & Tales experience is part of The Reader ’ s ongoing programme of activities and events at Calderstones , and offers a new and surprising way for visitors of all ages to connect with their surroundings as they explore the park .
The map can be accessed by using a smartphone or tablet to scan QR codes on several wooden posts installed around the park , as well as some bigger general information boards . As visitors explore each stop , the Trails & Tales map acts as a guide in hand and provides information about the points of historical interest in the park , using audio recordings and photographs .
Visitors can choose to follow either the Literature or Heritage Trail , or create their own adventure by combining the two .
The Heritage Trail has been developed using stories and memories from the local community and materials from The Reader ’ s archive . On this trail , visitors can learn about what life used to be like in Calderstones Park from people who lived in the Mansion House , as well as enjoying fascinating titbits and tales from volunteers and staff , all intertwined with carefully selected pieces of literature from authors including Jane Austen , Anton Chekov , Matsuo Bashō and George Orwell .
The Literature Trail features familiar voices from some of The Reader ’ s patrons and supporters , including actors Maxine Peake and Claire Skinner , and writers Robert MacFarlane and Roger Robinson , as they read poems and extracts from plays at poignant positions in the park .
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The Heritage Trail takes around two hours to complete and the shorter Literature Trail takes around 50 minutes to complete . Both trails are completely free to use and have been designed to appeal to audiences of all ages .
Trails & Tales has been developed by The Reader as a response to the need for people to access self-directed , outdoor activity during and after the Covid-19 pandemic . The map not only exists to help people learn more about the history of Calderstones Park , the Calder Stones and the Mansion House , but also as a way for people to access and enjoy great literature in the great outdoors .
Anna Farrell , Head of Programmes at The Reader said :
‘ At a time when a simple walk outside has become such a crucial part of our day to day lives and wellbeing , we wanted to create a way for people to discover literature and heritage while they explore the great outdoors .
‘ Trails and Tales has literature at its heart and you ’ ll be able to listen to poems and excerpts from plays that have been specifically chosen to encourage you to stop and reflect on your own , and others ’, experiences in the world . Shared Reading is what we do at The Reader , and we hope lots more people will be inspired by what they hear and read , to see if literature can help improve their wellbeing .’
The development of the trail has been funded through the Steve Morgan Foundation and DCMS Community Match Challenge – part of government ’ s £ 750m support package for charities . We ’ d like to say a huge thank you for their continued support , as well as to everyone who ’ s given up their time to help with this project and put the map together .