Holiday Park in Evesham Launches New Walking Trail with Ray Mears
A family-owned holiday park in Evesham has officially opened a new wildlife-rich walking trail with the help of renowned TV woodsman Ray Mears.
Ray joined guests, local residents and visitors to launch the new four-mile route from Offenham Park and Offenham Touring Park, showcasing some of the Vale of Evesham’s most beautiful countryside.
Ray Mears Leads Inaugural Countryside Walk
The special launch event saw Ray Mears guide a group of almost 100 walkers along the publicly accessible trail, highlighting the area’s diverse wildlife and natural habitats. He was joined by members of the Pilling family, who have owned the parks for more than 25 years.
The new walking trail has been created through a partnership between the parks and Evesham Place Board, the tourism promotion arm of Wychavon District Council. Support for the project also came from Evesham Welcomes Walkers, Evesham Rambling Club and the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust.
Celebrating the Natural Beauty of the Vale of Evesham
The parks already use sections of the trail as part of their popular weekly Wardens Walks programme, helping guests and local residents discover the surrounding Worcestershire countryside.
During the three-hour walk, Ray Mears highlighted many of the wildlife attractions found along the route.
“This remarkable landscape is subtle, but incredibly rich in natural discoveries along its rivers, and through its fields and hedgerows,” said Ray.
“Here you very quickly feel connected to the rhythm of the countryside, and reminds us that you don’t have to travel to the far corners of the world to experience something special.”
Holiday Parks in Evesham Surrounded by Nature
Families staying at Offenham Park and Offenham Touring Park also benefit from direct access to the banks of the River Avon.
The parks border protected countryside including Windmill Hill Nature Reserve, a limestone grassland renowned for its wildflowers, butterflies and other important pollinators.
Founded by Karen and Craig Pilling, the parks continue to be run by the family with the support of their sons Jack and Tom, together with daughter-in-law Lauren.
The family also own the Fish and Anchor pub, located between the two parks, which they saved from closure more than ten years ago before later leasing it to local operators.
Supporting Tourism and the Local Community
Lauren Pilling said that the walking trail reflects the family’s ongoing commitment to supporting both visitors and the wider community.
“We’ve long worked closely with local charities and other bodies, and with Visit Worcestershire to help swell visitor numbers to the area whose spending supports other small businesses.
“Our new walking trail has already put the spotlight on the Vale of Evesham as a perfect holiday destination for walkers and lovers of the natural world, and that’s just what we hoped.
“We’re also very pleased to be able to offer access to the trail from our touring park to local families and schools; it’s a fantastic collaborative project all round,” said Lauren.
Highlights
- Holiday park in Evesham launches new countryside walking trail
- Ray Mears leads inaugural walk with almost 100 participants
- Trail showcases the wildlife and landscapes of the Vale of Evesham
- Collaborative project supports local tourism and community wellbeing
- Direct access to River Avon walks and protected nature reserves
FAQs
Which holiday park in Evesham has launched a new walking trail?
Offenham Park and Offenham Touring Park have launched a new four-mile countryside trail near Evesham.
Who opened the new walking trail?
TV woodsman and broadcaster Ray Mears officially launched the trail by leading the inaugural guided walk.
 Where does the walking trail start?
The trail begins at Offenham Park and Offenham Touring Park before exploring the surrounding countryside and public footpaths.
What wildlife can visitors see on the trail?
Walkers may spot wildflowers, butterflies, pollinators and riverside wildlife around the River Avon and Windmill Hill Nature Reserve.
Is the walking trail open to local people?
Yes. The trail is publicly accessible and is available for both park guests and local residents to enjoy.