sure to recall many a childhood memory in the charming. Victorian farmhouse. Explore the Victorian schoolroom, wheelwrig
The Story of the
m F r a a i F r y r o F olk n a M
Our cor Story Trail www.hants.gov.uk/storytrails www.hants.gov.uk
Manor Farm Country Park Covering an area of 400 acres, the park is a delightful mix of woodland, riverside and open space, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. An extensive network of trails allows easy exploration of this rich and varied part of the Hampshire countryside. There are three children’s play areas, picnic and barbecue areas and accessible toilet facilities. The Pantry Tea Room offers a choice of refreshments and the kiosk at Barnfield opens on most summer Sundays and Bank Holidays selling ice creams and soft drinks. Children will love meeting all the farm animals, while anyone old enough to remember the washboard and mangle are sure to recall many a childhood memory in the charming Victorian farmhouse. Explore the Victorian schoolroom, wheelwright’s shop, blacksmiths forge and the 13th century church. Drop in and discover this unique slice of history for yourself at Manor Farm.
rporate ident Further details can be found at: www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/manorfarm Look out for these symbols in the booklet Follow the route Can you answer the question? Action
Follow the trail of The Story of the Manor Farm Fairy Folk Toilets Parking Waymarker
To motorway JCT 8
Continue to Manor Farm Country Park
Kiosk Bench Play area Jetty Picnic area
Parking -
Barnfield Car Park. NB; parking charges apply
Toilets - Accessible Length - 1.1km Obstacles - None Surface -
Firm level earth surface through woodland, some lumps and bumps. Could be muddy in places in wet weather.
Getting there – The park entrance is situated in Pylands Lane, Bursledon, approximately ½ mile from Junction 8 of the M27, midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. Follow the brown and white wagon signs. The farm itself is a five minute drive from the park entrance through the country park. NB; there are speed bumps along the route. Rail -
The nearest station is Botley, 1½ miles from the farm.
Bus:
Solent Blue Line run buses to Botley and Hedge End. Telephone 023 8061 8233 for more information.
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Can you spot the difference? There are three
The Story of the Manor Farm Fairy Folk Hello everyone, I’m the Story Snail. Welcome to the story of The Manor Farm Fairy Folk. I will be your guide as you move through the story, stop at each of my markers and read that section of the story. Enjoy yourselves and don’t forget to add your own ideas to make your story unique. Start at the building with the refreshments and toilets. As you’re facing the building, walk to the left passed the accessible play area and HQWHUWKHZRRGVLQWKHIDUFRUQHU7XUQULJKWWR¿QGWKH¿UVWPDUNHUDWWKH crossroad... As you ZDONGRZQWKHWUDFNWRZDUGVWKH¿UVWPDUNHU\RX are entering a magical forest. Look and listen…what can you see, what can you hear?
1.
The Crossroads
As in many stories, you’ve come to a crossroad. Which way should we go? To the right live the Pixies, to the left live the Elves. Can you imagine what they might look like? Oh, suddenly, straight ahead you see a Fairy…quick, follow the Fairy. What do you think her name might be?
As you carry on along the track look out for signs of Fairies or where they might live. Follow the track. Turn right at the bottom and walk up to the bridge...
2.
Pixie Bridge
This is Pixie Bridge and the Pixies are rather bossy about who uses it. They rarely let the Fairies go over to see their friends the Elves and there is always an argument happening here. On the other side of the bridge are the Buttercup Meadows where the Elves work hard growing and harvesting buttercups and capturing the early morning dew for their famous Buttercup Beer.
Turn back the way you came, keeping the river to your right and watch the meadow in case you see any Elves...oh, and watch out for the naughty Pixies...
3.
The Islands
Can you see the small islands a few metres from the river bank? The Pixies wait here to ambush the Elves’ boats as they take their beer to the Hamble Elves (who built the boats) and to the Curbridge Elves who provide food on their farms. The boats glide steadily along, the Elves navigating the way carefully, when, all of a sudden, the cry goes up and a horde of robbing Pixies leap onto the boats. “We’re going to take your beer and you can’t stop us, Har Har!” they shout. Continue along the path and imagine the battle on the ERDWVDVWKHEUDYH(OYHV¿JKWRIIWKH3L[LHV&DQ\RXVHHDQG hear the trees between you and the river? These are no ordinary trees...these are Dryads; ancient and magical trees who keep the peace in the magical world.
Gather your group at the jetty...
4.
The Jetty
Here, the Dryads and the Fairies hold a moot - a great meeting to see what can be done about the constant battles with Elves and the Pixies. What sort of things do you think they are saying? Eventually they know what has to be done. Those Pixies have caused enough trouble.
Keep going along the path...
5.
The Wishing Tree
Can you see the great tree? This is the Fairy Wishing Tree. The King and the Queen of the Fairies live here and, with the help of the other Fairies they listen to the wishes of the world. They do their best to help people and to grant their wishes. If your heart is pure and you are not greedy your wish may come true. Stay here for a while and make a wish.
Keep going along the path...
6.
The Tree Stump
Stop here and see more of the Dryads. As the Elves’ boats came past this part of the river, the battle still raging, the Dryads bend their great branches over the water and pick the Pixies off the boats. The struggling Pixies are left dangling in the treetops as the Elves continue their journey. The Fairies cheer; justice is done. Look up into the trees. Can you see any Pixies stuck up there? Which would you rather be: An Elf, a Fairy, a Pixie or a Dryad? Maybe you could draw some pictures of what you think they might look like.
Continue up the path, bearing left then straight over the crossroads XQWLO\RXFRPHRXWRQWRWKH¿HOGQHDUWKHDFFHVVLEOHSOD\DUHDDQGFDU park..
I hope you enjoyed the story of The Manor Farm Fairy Folk. Please join me for more story walks in other parts of Hampshire, more details can be found at:
www.hants.gov.uk/storytrails.htm
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Don’t forget to draw the captain!
Can you spot the difference? There are three
Further information Useful Web sites www.hants.gov.uk/walking www.traveline.org.uk - 0870 608 2608 www.metoffice.co.uk - 0870 900 0100 www.visit-hampshire.org.uk www.hants.gov.uk/accessible-countryside Please telephone Hampshire County Council’s Hantsdirect0845 603 5636* * calls will cost up to 4p per minute for BT customers. Calls made using other service providers or mobile may cost more. Alternatively, call 01329 225398 – standard and local rates apply to the number. Other information Hampshire County Council’s Countryside sites/parks have worked hard to improve accessibility of our sites for children and adults with disabilities. Some sites, especially the country parks, have a full range of facilities. Culture-all Passport The Culture-all Passport gives up to two adults and two children (aged 16 years or under) 12 months’ unlimited, inclusive access to a world of fun, learning and entertainment at these paid-entry Hampshire sites. (Special events and paid entry exhibitions are not included.) Gateway Card The Gateway Card for children and young people with disabilities and/ or additional needs is free and will give you access to activities play schemes and buddy schemes available through Hampshire County Council’s short breaks programme. See: www.hants.gov.uk/gatewaycard for details.
