‘A step in the right direction’ - Peterborough walkers enticed to explore John Clare Countryside

A combined initiative by local heritage and environment groups has created an opportunity for everyone to explore the countryside associated with our region’s much-loved peasant poet in a whole new way this weekend.

The John Clare Heritage group and Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), aided by local residents, have created six signposted trails designed to help people find out more about John Clare, as well as discover the nature he wrote about so memorably two hundred years ago.

The John Clare Countryside team have included numerous points of interest on each trail, including local nature reserves, heritage features, cafés and pubs to ensure each one is as enjoyable and accessible as possible. One of the points of interest, Willow Brook Farm, is collecting donations for Ukrainian refugees, so walkers can grab a warm drink on their way round and give to a worthy cause while enjoying the local scenery.

Mike Horne, coordinator for PECT’s John Clare Countryside team told the Peterborough Telegraph:

“We’re really excited to have been working with local people to have designed six John Clare Countryside trails, which include undiscovered points of interest along the way.”

He added:

“The creation of the six trails is literally a step in the right direction for enticing people out into John Clare Countryside.”

The trails, which vary from shorter loops suitable for all the family to longer all-day hikes, will be open on 15 and 16 October.

Further information is on hand at the John Clare Countryside website.