Over 50 residents came together yesterday to take part in the first Talbot Village Heritage Trail and Augmented Wildlife Experiences trail in Bournemouth West.
The free community walk, held in partnership with the Talbot Village Trust, gave people the chance to explore historic sites, uncover local stories, and discover the biodiversity of surrounding woodland through an interactive trail developed by Bournemouth University students and academics.
The event began at 1pm and followed a circular route before finishing at Slades Farm Pavilion by 3.30pm, where participants enjoyed refreshments and conversations about the village’s history.
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale, who joined the walk, said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents, young and old, come together to celebrate the incredible history and natural beauty that makes Talbot Village so special. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and curiosity everyone showed and learned a lot more about the area from the historical society and people whose families have lived in the village for generations. The Talbot sisters’ vision for the area remains inspiring even today.”
Martha Searle, Community and Engagement Lead at Talbot Village Trust, said: “We were delighted to welcome Jessica and so many of our community for a woodland walk last week. It was a fantastic opportunity to reacquaint with old friends and meet lots of new ones and to celebrate the beautiful natural space available on our doorstep. And despite the foreboding forecast, the weather held off for us and we were able to get out and enjoy woods.”
The success of the event highlighted the enthusiasm among residents to explore and celebrate the area’s history, heritage, and natural environment, with many participants saying they looked forward to similar activities in the future.
