If you go down to Milton of Campsie today you’re sure of a big surprise after a number of magical characters were spotted hiding out there.
Fantastic fairies, toad stools, fairy houses, and other woodland creatures can all be found in the Milton of Campsie Fairy Woods – which runs between Alder Road and Hazel Bank - after it was transformed into a magical world of make-believe and fun for all the family.
The wooden carvings are the work of Chainsaw Creations who has helped these fairytale characters come to life after being commissioned by the popular Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire group - with help from East Dunbartonshire Council’s Streetscene Technical Support Team - to create a Fairy Trail.
Some of the fairies love the woods so much they have decided to set up home there with a number of fairy doors also seen dotted around the area.
Councillor Paul Ferretti – Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee – came to see the fairytale creatures for himself along with children and adults from WRCED.
Councillor Ferretti said, “This is a magical project and I’m really pleased the Council has helped deliver this in collaboration with Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire.
“They are already a big hit with children whose imaginations have been fired by seeing these magical creatures come to life.
I am sure the carvings will bring lots of pleasure to local children and their families for many years to come.
The Facebook active travel group 'Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire' was founded in 2020 and it now has more than 8,700 members, some of whom recently joined Councillor Ferretti for a walk along the trail.
Lesleyanne Lindsay, who led on the project for WRCED, said, "We are delighted to have delivered this project in collaboration with East Dunbartonshire Council.
“We took on this project after a plea for help from local mum Lisa Cochrane, who set up the fairy trail during lockdown of 2020.
“The trail was in danger of disappearing and we thought that would be devastating for the local community after they had enjoyed it so much during, and after, lockdown.
“Anything that encourages children and their families into the outdoors is to be encouraged. The benefit of a daily walk and time spent outdoors is so vital to physical and mental wellbeing.
“We really hope that everyone gets to enjoy them and feels the fairy magic."
