More details have been revealed about a new illuminated night-time nature trail at Hollingworth Lake in the borough of Rochdale.
Announced earlier in 2024, ‘Wild Wanders’ will be a free outdoor environmental arts event for all ages, culminating in a spectacular night-time nature trail at Hollingworth Lake Country Park, open from Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, October 27. Each evening, visitors will take an illuminated walk featuring some of the creatures that live in the woods, alongside sound, light, projections and fire installations. Tickets, which are free, become available on September 23.
Visitors should expect the unexpected as they wander through the experience, spotting some of the wonderful wildlife that comes out at night, and hearing from local children whose voices will be woven into a soundtrack exploring their hopes for the natural world.
Outdoor arts company Walk the Plank has been working with 300 local school children, community groups and artists, connecting them with nature and increasing engagement on the climate emergency as well as generating eye-catching attractions that will form part of the trail.
Wild Wanders will open as dusk falls each evening, with free tickets available to book online from 10am on September 23.
A range of time slots will be available, and the 30-minute trail begins outside the RSPCA Animal Centre at Hollingworth Lake Country Park car park.
Refreshments will be available at the Woodlands Café at the RSPCA Animal Centre.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This will be something we’ve never seen before; you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Wild Wanders will encourage visitors to think positively about what they can do to make the world a better place for future generations. There will be something to captivate all ages including hands-on elements and a kaleidoscope of colour featuring fire gardens, flowers, moths, stilt walkers, lanterns, woodland animals and much more. It will be bold and magical, so don’t miss your chance to get free tickets when they are released.”
Liz Pugh, executive producer at Walk the Plank, added: “Wild Wanders is an opportunity to connect our young people and the borough’s residents with nature on their doorstep in a really exciting way. We know our planet is warming up too quickly and our wild creatures and the green spaces they inhabit are threatened by human activities, so listening to the wisdom of children who are thinking about the future in positive ways has been inspiring. Giving them an opportunity to feel that they can make a difference is so important.”
