Ballard Fairy Trail provides magical trek through New Milton beauty spot

A MAGICAL way for children to explore a New Milton beauty spot has been created with the launch of the Ballard Fairy Trail.

The town council-led scheme involves 29 fairy doors and nine fairy windows – some made from locally sourced wood – placed along a route taking in Ballard Lake, off Fernhill Lane, and the adjacent woodland.

Mayor Cllr Keith Craze was joined by some of the first youngsters to enjoy the attraction as he cut the hemp ribbon.

Local resident Jennifer Corbett took in the trail with her three-year-old twin granddaughters Beatrice and Rose.

“I think it’s fantastic,” she said. “I remember before this site was improved, and now it’s such a good resource and this gives you a reason to come.”

The New Milton Men’s Shed was among groups and individuals who crafted the mini doors and windows for the trail, which is funded by developers’ contributions. It is also constructing wooden toadstools for installation soon.

Siblings Bella (11), Jacob (9) and six-year-old Olivia Nowell were all impressed by the trail when they visited with their mother Chrissi while holidaying from London.

“I think there’s been a lot of imagination put into each door,” Bella told the A&T.

Chrissi said: “It’s quite a nice walk. It’s good for all ages and gets you out looking at nature.”

Thanking all those involved, Cllr Geoff Blunden said: “It was lovely to see the enthusiasm and excitement of the young children as we tried to find the fairy doors today on the walk from Ballard Lake.

“What was pleasing was the interest they showed in nature and the surroundings.”

See a map of the trail at newmiltontowncouncil.gov.uk