New QR code trail set to showcase Malden Hill’s biodiversity and history
Interactive posts will help visitors explore walking routes and learn more about the area
Visitors to Moulden Hill will soon have the chance to explore its biodiversity, history, and walking routes through a new QR code trail being launched in the area.
Over the coming months, posts featuring QR codes will be installed around Moulden Hill, offering walkers and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to access information about different routes, wildlife, and local history.
The initiative aims to promote Moulden Hill beyond its parking facilities, encouraging people to discover its meadows, canal, river, and historic sites.
Vinay Manro explained how the idea was inspired by a similar project in Cricklade Lee, a National Trust property renowned for its biodiversity. The Cricklade trail features QR codes that connect users to a web page with detailed descriptions of the area, audio guides, and information on wildlife.
“We saw a couple of councillors do this up at Cricklade and they did it really well,” Manro said. “The QR codes take you to a web page where there are not only written descriptions but also options to play audio files, hear bird sounds, and find out what to look out for in terms of biodiversity. It’s not reinventing the wheel but it’s fairly unique in North Swindon, certainly.”
According to Manro, the trail will feature routes suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers, with some paths that lead through fields and meadows. The information shared through the QR codes will include insights into the importance of meadows’ maintenance and the area’s ecosystem. It also encourages visitors to use a free app to detect bats in the evening or learn about plants and fauna visible along the pathways.
The project aims not only to promote outdoor activity but also to spark awareness and education about the significance of preserving local green spaces.
While Moulden Hill is well known among nearby residents, Manro hopes the QR code trail will attract visitors from areas such as Haydon Wick and St Andrew’s Ridge who might not yet be familiar with its offerings.
The trail is expected to be easy to access, with webpages designed to be simple and quick to load, even in remote parts of the area.
Officials hope this new initiative will connect more people to the natural beauty of Moulden Hill, encouraging exploration while providing useful educational resources.