TRAIL: Artist Holly Scott has devised the nature trail at the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle
TRAIL: Artist Holly Scott has devised the nature trail at the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle

A COMMUNITY centre is aiming to get families up close and personal with nature this summer.

The TCR Hub, on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, boasts grounds with two ponds, woodland and other wild spaces to explore.

To make the most of its surroundings, staff at the centre have devised a nature trail around the grounds as well as pond-dipping and a challenge sheet to keep the kids entertained.

Created by artist Holly Scott, the nature trail features a series of hand painted illustrations to go and find in the grounds of the Hub, with a map, an information sheet and fun quiz about the creatures shown in the pictures.

As part of the family activities project supported by the Community Lottery Fund, TCR Hub is offering some families free admission to the grounds as long as they book in advance.

Having welcomed school pupils to the trail, the TCR Hub team say they are really keen to ensure that people come to enjoy this fantastic resource.

Family activities co-ordinator Sarah Gent said: “We are hugely aware of just how much some families have struggled over the last year.

“Here at the Hub, we have the most amazing grounds that help lift the spirit and give the kids a natural oasis in which to play.

“If a family contacts us to request a free place due to their circumstances, we will book them in without hesitation to ensure that they can access this beautiful space and also receive one of our nature packs to enjoy whilst they are here.”

It costs £5 per family to come and enjoy the Hub’s nature trail on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 10am and 1pm. Booking is essential, which can be done online at www. tcrhub.co.uk.

To access a free place contact Sarah Gent at sarah.tcrhub@gmail.com or ring TCR Hub at 01833 690150.