Carden Park launches British Wildlife Trail
A leading golf resort in north-west England has launched an interactive visitor trail to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.
Carden Park, a 1,000-acre golf resort and country estate near Chester, has opened the British Wildlife Trail in partnership with Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
The trail is aimed at families and encourages visitors to explore areas of the estate that support local wildlife populations, including badgers, swans, bees, foxes, hedgehogs, woodpeckers and pheasants.
“The trail stands testament to our commitment to environmental conservation and the delicate ecosystems that surround Carden Park. We hope it ignites intrigue for conserving British Wildlife for those who take part,” said Peter Pattenden, Golf Courses and Estate Manager at Carden Park.
The route winds through the country estate, taking in woodlands, open fields, lakes, streams, non-playing areas of Carden Park’s two championship golf courses and its vineyard.
Visitors can explore the trail and interact digitally using a QR code that links to the trust’s website and provides access to free learning resources and ideas for practising wildlife conservation at home.
Trail users are invited to make voluntary donations to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, benefiting its work as an independent charity.
“Carden Estate is booming with wildlife. You can find various habitats within the grounds, from running streams, young and ageing woodland to grass banks and open fields."
"We also keep large, localised conservation areas on-site, providing homes to various wildlife such as; common hares, a healthy hedgehog population, barn owls, kingfishers and the team are also lucky to regularly get a glimpse of our resident roaming foxes early in the morning,” says Pattenden.
The designers of the trail say that it provides a free and accessible way for families to spend time in nature, improve their wellbeing and learn more about wildlife and conservation.
“Nature is our free gym, therapist, kitchen and muse,” said Adam Linnet, Wilder Communities Manager at Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
“It can give something to us all each day if we take the time for our own wellbeing to explore and notice wildlife on our doorstep.
“We can all do small things that make us feel happier and healthier whilst experiencing and helping nature.”