FAMILIES can enjoy a great day out this summer holiday at Moors Valley Country Park, which has introduced a new educational trail based on a much-loved children’s tale.

Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth has provided the inspiration for the new attraction, with the trail taking participants on a leisurely stroll around the park while answering questions based on the books and animated television series and learning a few things along the way.

The engaging stories revolve around the adventures of a kind-hearted park keeper, called Percy, and his many animal friends, including a badger, owl, fox, rabbit, hedgehog and lots of mice.

They are a firm favourite with children and parents alike, and instantly recognisable from both the books and the Percy the Park Keeper animated television series.

This is the first time that permission has been given for Percy and his friends to be featured in this way and the fun trail has been especially created to link Nick Butterworth’s beautifully illustrated stories to the immediate surroundings of the park.

Heading into the woods, meandering around the lake and skirting the steam railway, trail participants will enjoy a glorious country walk as they follow a trail card packed with fun outdoor activities.

Youngsters can learn which tools Percy uses for which jobs, where park animals live and what they eat, the names of various mini-beasts and how to find animal tracks.

Nick Butterworth is thrilled that Percy is joining the attractions at Moors Valley Country Park: “I’m delighted to see that my old pal, Percy the Park Keeper, will be helping lots of new, young friends to find out more about the natural world,” he said.

“Well done to everyone involved with the Moors Valley project.

“Just listen for a moment...

Can you hear it? It’s the sound of applause – coming from Percy and all his animal chums, from the deer to the mini-beasts!

“They know that things are going to be a bit better for them because of what you have done”.

Moors Valley education ranger, Emma Reeks, added: “Everyone loves the friendly characters in Nick’s wonderful stories and we are looking forward to bringing them to life at Moors Valley.

“We hope this fun family trail will also help show visitors what our rangers do to look after our park for the enjoyment of both people and wildlife.”

Percy the Park Keeper trail cards are available from the Visitor Centre, cost £2 each and feature a variety of interesting activities including making an animal home and bird spotting.

The trail will appeal particularly to younger children and opens daily until September 28.

To complement the trail Moors Valley has also launched an online competition for one lucky family to follow in Percy’s footsteps and become a Park Keeper for the day – go to moorsvalley.co.uk/percy to enter, and the lucky family will be chosen on September 1.

• For further details visit moorsvalley.co.uk/events or contact the rangers on 01425 470721.