THE eagerly-anticipated Langlee Woodland Nature Trail opened to the public last week.

The project which was funded by the Tesco Bags for Help scheme, which donated £8,000 to the cause after a public vote.

Pupils from Galashiels Academy and Langlee Primary were also given a say on the design.

And around 50 children turned up at the opening to take part in activities such as making whistles, a bug hunt, den building and creating natural art. Local actor, Scott Noble was also there as a green man, telling stories about trees who once were giants.

Jan Barr, project co-ordinator at Nature Unlimited, who ran the programme, said: "What we’ve ended up with is a family friendly space which we hope will encourage more people to connect with nature and take advantage of this free natural resource which is on their doorstep.

"This seems to be working, as initially the team would never see anyone while working on the trail. As the months went on, more people began to use the woodland." 

Geraldine Keita, the project leader, was also delighted to report that one passer by said, "Ah, you’re the ones that are doing all this – we thought it was the night fairies."

The trail, which starts at the top of Hawthorn Road (at the bus terminus) features a bug hotel, fairy village, story telling area, a giant xylophone, a hide for listening to the birds and much more. 

Nature Unlimited runs an employability group who will be maintaining the site and adding to it over the coming years.

Scottish Borders Council Countryside Rangers Service has also supported the project and will be erecting a sign at the entrance.