New Storybook and Interactive Family Trail To Explore The Connswater Community Greenway Launches

“My name is Robin and I want to welcome you to the Connswater Community Greenway! I like to guide children as they explore the Greenway, so follow me as we go on an adventure” ~ Robin

A new storybook and trail designed to encourage families to get outdoors and explore the Connswater Community Greenway has been launched by EastSide Greenways, part of EastSide Partnership. The “Anna and Rory Explore the Greenway” storybook highlights some key locations to explore, a special family friendly map guides families along the Connswater Community Greenway route and interactive activity cards outline some fun outdoor learning ideas such as bark rubbing and wildflower identification. The development of the storybook and trail has taken place with support from the EastSide Early Years Network and local families.

Jacqueline O’Hagan, EastSide Greenways Acting Manager, said: “We are delighted to publish this family storybook and interactive trail which we hope will encourage families to explore parts of the Greenway they may not have before, as well as enhancing the time they spend in some of their best loved parks.

Outdoor play and education is such a vital element of a child’s development and the Connswater Community Greenway is a fantastic resource for families and children to get out and enjoy nature while learning and playing together.  We hope the book will appeal to local families and visitors alike.  Thank you to the EastSide Early Years Network who supported us in the development of the project as well as the author Orla Graham, illustrator Fergus Wachala-Kelly and designers Image Zoo.”

Tracey Ripley-McElvogue, East Belfast Sure Start Coordinator, said; ‘I only need to spend some time surrounded by greenery or beside the sea or a river to be reminded of the therapeutic effect of being in nature. It helps me to focus on something bigger than myself and my current situation. This is also true for children with the additional benefits of helping develop their gross motor skills, stay physically fit and also encourage their imagination through play and wonder.  This book tells a wonderfully imaginative story of the joys of discovering our community Greenway in order to encourage our children in all these areas of their development’

The Anna and Rory Explore the Greenway book can be purchased from the EastSide Visitor Centre, 402 Newtownards Road, BT4 1HH.