BEAR hunting was the main theme of the day yesterday when Lydiard Park launched a series of story walks.

Every Wednesday during the summer holidays youngsters and their parents can enjoy a story-themed activity session in the park with rhymes and excerpts to explore the seasonal signs of summer.

Nancy Heath, lifelong learning manager at Lydiard Park, said stories were a brilliant platform for children to learn about the world.

“Children learn really well by using their imagination and the story walks are all about encouraging them to open up their imagination and use it to help them learn about the world and explore their imagination because it’s the best place in the world,” she said.

“It’s going to be brilliant and I am sure they will all really enjoy it with our dynamic storytellers.”

Yesterday’s activities included stories and rhymes such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Winnie the Pooh.

Nancy said: “The best time for stories is in the summer when the kids are off school and they can come to the park and enjoy being outside.

“We can read stories in a room, but it’s a lot more fun to go on a bear hunt and explore the park while listening to the stories, and they’re learning all about the park and being outside at the same time.”

Next Wednesday the theme is Where the Willow Tree Meets the Water and activities will take place by the lake and revolve around stories including The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Tadpole’s Promise and The Ugly Duckling.

On August 13 the storywalk will be on A Bug’s Life; on August 20 about In The Deep Dark Forest; and on August 27 it will be How Does Your Garden Grow.

Nancy said: “We’re also prepared for all weathers so even if it isn’t nice they can still come along and the stories will take place in our dedicated story den.

“There are pictures and stories and things to look at in there too.”

The story walks are suitable for children aged between five and nine and tickets are £5 a child. There are two sessions available each week from 11am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2.30pm.

Tickets will be available on the day from the Coach House Activity Centre at 10am.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The grounds of Lydiard Park are open daily and entry and parking is free. The State Rooms of Lydiard House and the Georgian Walled Garden are open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday – an admission charge applies.

The café and Coach House Tea Rooms will also be open through the summer.

For more information on events, opening times and prices, call Lydiard House on 01793 466664 or visit the website on www.lydiardpark.org.uk.