Children in East Dunbartonshire can once again enjoy the magic of the Gruffalo story with the return of the much-loved trail at Kilmardinny Nature Reserve.
A collection of seven carved wooden characters from the iconic children’s book by Julia Donaldson have once more taken up residence in the park at Kilmardinny Loch near Bearsden. The characters will also appear on a new carved wooden seat.
The Gruffalo Trail was first introduced in 2012 and became a popular attraction for children and the young-at-heart. The carvings were removed from the park in 2023 due to weather damage.
The reinstatement of the trail has been commissioned and installed by the Council’s Streetscene Technical Support team.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Asserts committee, welcomed their return and was joined by children from Bearsden Early Years Centre to officially open the Gruffalo Trail.
Councillor Ferretti said, “I am delighted to see The Gruffalo Trail return to Kilmardinny Loch. It was previously a much-loved feature which attracted visitors from East Dunbartonshire and beyond, and I’m sure that will be the case again.
“The Trail brings another element of enjoyment to this picturesque area by providing a wonderful, free activity for families.”
The carvings include a large Gruffalo, Gruffalo’s Child, Little Brown Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and Frog.
