Somerset Trails app launched to highlight climate change issues

The app is free to download and combines walking maps with video-guided tours, along with a special section for children.

While on the trail, video content is triggered at key points, featuring tour guides such as Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Shelly Easton and the eight- year-old Iona, as well as local experts.

The trails talk about landscape features, climate change and how nature-based solutions can be used to help us adapt.

The first trail to be launched starts in the centre of Wedmore, taking in breath-taking views across the Somerset Levels, and meanders through meadows, past dew ponds and over historic ridge and furrow field systems.

Iona leads the guided walks for children. (Image: Somerset Wildlife Trust)

For younger walkers, eight-year-old tour guide Iona leads the way in a section called Kids Corner. She said: “I think people are going to have a lot of fun coming on the walk, and they’re going to learn lots about climate change and what people are doing about it in Somerset.”

The app has been designed by Co-Adapt and is funded by Somerset Rivers Authority and the EU’s Intereg 2Seas Programme.

Jolyon Chesworth, head of engagement at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "Climate change is a scary issue and sometimes so overwhelming that as individuals we can feel helpless.

"By following the trails on the app we can help people explore some of Somerset’s most beautiful areas and learn about how nature can help us adapt to what is coming if we look after it."

He added: "Having Iona as a tour guide is brilliant in terms of inspiring the next generation in their own language to take action and find innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.

“Hearing from those who are already taking action is really inspiring and gives us hope and optimism, as well as practical tips on what we can all do to contribute to a brighter future.”

The Somerset Trails app helps people learn about the area and how it is affected by climate change. (Image: Somerset Wildlife Trust)

Throughout the walks, people will be invited to add their thoughts and ideas, which will help the project teams develop climate adaptation plans.

Later in the summer, a second trail will be launched by the National Trust, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of beaver reintroduction and stage zero river restoration on Exmoor.

Somerset Trails can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.