Cornwall's 'Enchanted Fairy Trail' a hit for families during lockdown

Gifts have been left inside the numerous fairy doors, dotted along the trail at Coosebean Woods

Author: Emma HartPublished 27th Feb 2021
Last updated 27th Feb 2021

This is the 'Enchanted Trail' in Cornwall that has been proving a hit with families during lockdown.

Numerous fairy doors can be found dotted along the path through Coosebean Woods, just outside Truro.

It runs from Coosebean to Malabar and is very popular with residents from the surrounding areas.

The Enchanted Trail at Coosebean Woods on the outside of Truro is proving to be a hit with families during lockdown

The 40 acres of woodland were transferred to Truro City Council by Cornwall Council after the completion of the cycle trail.

Since then Chris Waddle, Countryside Ranger for Truro City Council, has turned the muddy and rubbish-strewn paths into the trail you can see today.

The fairy doors, which house all sorts of wonders, were made by local resident John Rowe.

Gifts have been left inside the numerous fairy doors, dotted along the trail at Coosebean Woods

Over the winter, some of the muddiest areas have been barked up to protect them from all the heavy rainfall.

Bird boxes have recently been installed along the trail, meadows cleared and an old track opened up as an alternative entrance.

Rangers have recently barked-up the muddiest parts of the Enchanted Trail, to protect it from the recent rainfall

Posting to the Friends of Coosebean Facebook group in October, Chris said: "It's amazing to see so many families enjoying the enchanted trail".

He recently added a message urging people to stick to the footpaths: "We've been down the enchanted trail today and barked up some of the worst areas.

"Given the time of year and the amount of rain we're having, there isn't much more we can do, however we are looking at gravelling the trail when the drier weather comes.

"Please can people stick to the footpaths, with a pair of wellies and a bit of care, the trail is actually more fun than treacherous, the worst parts are board-walked and barked in sections.

"Unfortunately some of the brash piles have been dislodged which are really important for wildlife habitats, as is keeping to the footpaths.

"More footfall away from the tracks brings more damage to the ground flora such as ivy which is very beneficial to wildlife".

Chris Waddle

Walkers are being urged to stick to the footpaths along the Enchanted Trail, to try to stop the flora and fauna being damaged

"The enchanted trail is a beautiful hidden treasure on the edge of our great little city, popular with families and dog walkers alike.

"Maintained by Chris Waddle, the Countryside Ranger for Truro City Council and his team, along with many, many volunteers and craftsmen, this woodland area takes you along the River Kenwyn, close to Victoria Gardens.

"During the winter it is often very muddy and certain areas can become boggy due to the natural water runoff, however the team work hard to make the walk as accessible as possible creating boardwalks and laying bark on the footpath, but it is definitely advised to wear wellies.

"The Northern Meadows are beautifully maintained with trees planted across selected sites, with the help of local schools and community groups, to enhance biodiversity in the area. Nothing is wasted, cuttings from diseased Ash trees were recently used to create a dead hedge along the pathway.

"And of course, the Trail is ever changing as we while our way through the seasons so take a wander down to Coosebean regularly as there is always something new to see and explore".

Visit Truro

More than 2,700 people are members of the trail's dedicated Facebook group: Fairy Doors of Malabar and Coosebean

You can read more about the trail on Visit Truro's website here.