New fairy trail launches along Lords Walk in Amesbury

A new fairy trail has launched this summer along Lords Walk in Amesbury, featuring 10 handmade fairy doors fixed to trees in the riverside woodland.

The trail is the result of a collaboration between Amesbury Town Council and local crafter Bugsy Brastock, who designed and created the wooden doors.

Ms Brastock, who has lived in Amesbury for six years, said: "One door can take around two days from start to finish. I make sure every house/door is unique, as I focus on one-of-a-kind pieces.

"I don't make any money in what I do; I just enjoy creating things for people to see and bring some happiness to them.

"I definitely feel like I have found my passion in creating the fairy doors.

"They are different and 100% handmade.

"They aren't perfect, but that's what handmade products are all about."

Ms Brastock said: "I am very excited about the launch and I wish my children were younger to experience doing the fairy trail as I know they would have loved it as younger children.

"I love putting smiles on children's and adults' faces, so I feel very humbled knowing my doors make people smile."

She has previously installed doors at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.

The fairies behind each door were designed as part of a work experience scheme with students from Stonehenge School, hosted by the town council, and with input from Sam Burney, the council's Community Development Project Manager.

Ms Burney said: “The objective of the trail was to create a fun family activity to get everyone active in the beautiful environment which is just on our doorstep, whilst also educating people about the wildlife and the role we all have in protecting our natural spaces.

"There have been local families visiting Lord's Walk who have never been before or didn't know it was here, so it's great to see people getting out and exploring Amesbury.”

A launch event was held on July 30, inviting residents to explore the trail and discover the magical doors hidden along the walk.

A keen fairy-hunter! (Image: Amesbury Town Council)

Amesbury Town Council has produced a new leaflet to guide visitors along the trail.

Printed trail booklets are available free of charge from Amesbury Library, Amesbury History Centre and The Bowman Centre, as well as online. 

Mayor of Amesbury, Cllr Laura Knight, said: "We can all find joy in creation ourselves, but also in other people's creativity, imagination, being outside, being active, and those small acts of noticing actually form a huge part of being mindful."

This free trail is a great activity for families to enjoy.