Photo Jeff ‘Forest Nymph’ Dawson
Connecting children and their big people to the beauty, sounds, and stories of nature, The Wondertrail takes everyone on a journey of delight through Mullumbimby’s Heritage Park and Maslen Arboretum.
The Wondertrail, designed for children under ten and their families, was launched over the weekend and with a combination of a beautifully illustrated activity guide and an interactive soundscape experience accessible via QR codes along the route is giving everyone a connection to their environment.
For creators, Valley Lipcer (Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre) and Aviva Reed (Visual Ecologist) the project has been an exciting opportunity to experiment with new forms of theatre and site-responsive design that encourage nature connection and ecological awareness.
‘We are passionate about ecological imagination and storytelling and share a desire to create meaningful experiences that both educate and reconnect children and families with the natural world,’ Ms Lipcer said.
Time to go on an adventure
‘The QR codes link children to stories from the river, the animals and the trees that have been developed with Luminous Youth Kids, a group that connects children to the environment and culture through nature and storytelling,’ she said.
The Wondertrail starts at the Mill Street entrance to Heritage Park where a small number of printed guides are available from a brochure box. Alternatively, people can download and print a guide, and pack it along with pencils, crayons and a device that is connected to the internet that will allow people to listen to the soundscape.
The Wondertrail runs until 1 June. For more information and to download the guide visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Recreation-Culture/Events-Venues/Whats-On/The-Wondertrail.
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