Ecos Nature Park Sensory Trail Map

Ecos Nature Park Sensory Trail Map

Quiz time!

Now you’ve finished your walk, can you answer these three questions correctly?

1. Name one thing that is good to feed ducks?

2. Tell us one fact about Slemish?

3. What is the hawthorn tree sometimes known as?

Ecos Nature Park Sensory Trail Map

Ballymena Showgrounds

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1. Start your route here! Ability Café is a Social Enterprise Café of Usel.

Usel is Northern Ireland’s largest supporter of people with disabilities or health conditions across NI, offering employment and learning opportunities within the café. This is a perfect refreshment stop for after your sensory walk around Ecos Nature Park.

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Hawthorn Tree

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Wild garlic in Spring

2. Selfie Challenge: We’d love to see your family selfies along the route.

Maybe a photo of you feeding the ducks or hugging trees! Upload your photos and tag #MEAdventure and #getoutgetactive.

Rose hips in Autumn

Catalyst/Ability Cafe 15

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Slemish

Metal Scuplture

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Car Park 10

4 Outdoor Gym

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7 Barn owl box

Sensory Map Key

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3. Feed the ducks: But don’t feed them bread – it’s bad for them! Please feed them grapes (cut in half to prevent choking), cracked corn, barley, oats, birdseed, or other grains, frozen peas or corn kernels (defrosted first, but no need to cook). How many ducks can you see?

Do you see any swans? Do you see any other birds? What sounds do they make?

4. Can you see Slemish in the distance?

Slemish Mountain is the legendary first known Irish home of Saint Patrick. The mountain rises about 1500 feet (437 metres) above the surrounding plain, and it is actually the central core of an extinct volcano. According to legend Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years, from ages 16 through 22, for a man named Milchu (or Miluic).

5. Find the letters: There are six letters along the route. These letters spell out a word. Can you find all six letters and make a word?

6. Fairy Tree: Can you see a fairy tree on your walk? Hawthorn is sometimes known as the fairy tree – a tree of enchantment and magic - particularly when it is a lone tree in the landscape.

In folklore it is told if you sit under a hawthorn tree on a fairy hill you will be whisked away to the fairy underworld and wishes may be granted to you.

7. What’s the tallest tree you can see?

Take a moment to feel the texture of the bark and to rustle the leaves.

8. Stop at the river: Can you hear the water rushing by? Can you see any wildlife today? Did you know a family of otters live in this river?

9. STOP: Close your eyes and be quiet for a minute, what can you hear?

10. STOP: Close your eyes and be quiet for a minute, what can you smell?

11. STOP: Look up, what’s the weather like today? Hot or cold? Rainy? Windy?

12. Forage fun: Forage here for wild garlic in the Spring and rose hips in the Autumn. Take them home and make some tasty treats.

13. Can you see the barn owl box? Do you know any facts about owls or any other birds?

14. Hug a Tree – Hugging a tree increases levels of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine – these hormones help you feel calm and happy.

15. Did you find all six letters? Unjumble them. What word does it spell?

16. Sensory Garden: Finish your route here!

This garden transformed a disused space at Ecos Nature Park to create a community garden for people with a wide range of needs. Research has shown horticulture to be beneficial for mental health as working or spending time outside in the tranquil setting of a garden can help to reduce high anxiety levels, and the sights and natural smells of a garden can engage senses without being overwhelming. As well as a communal growing space this garden will contain a quiet area, play area, sensory area and wild area. Why not have a picnic here?