New QR tree trail in Leigh

A new digital tree trail is helping visitors to a popular Leigh park learn more about nature.

Created by Wigan Council in collaboration with local social enterprise Leigh Hackspace, the trail at Pennington Hall Park lets curious residents scan a QR code for facts about different tree species.

There are 15 separate scan points in total, all featuring the specimen’s English and Latin names and linking to a webpage with information such as where the tree is native to, its growing conditions, and other species features.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We all love a stroll at the park and admiring the trees – but most of us probably don’t know our Ash from our Elder!

“That’s why we’ve created the Pennington Hall Park QR Tree Trail, so those who want to know more about what they’re looking at can simply pull out their phone, scan the sign and read all about the different species.

“It’s a fun idea that we hope will encourage people to visit the park, take time to connect and interact with nature, and be more curious about the world around them.”

Species found at Pennington Hall Park include Golden Weeping Willow, Japanese Maple, London Plane and the unusually named Handkerchief Tree.

Coun Ready added: “The Handkerchief Tree is also known as the ‘Dove Tree’, is native to Western and Central China and thrives in sunnier conditions… which I now know after scanning the QR code on our tree trail!

“A big thanks to Leigh Hackspace for their work on the project. We hope people enjoy it!”

Based at Leigh Spinners Mill, Leigh Hackspace is a collaborative workspace where people interested in computers, technology, science, or digital or electronic art can meet, socialise, and work on projects.