GUIDED walks around Minehead’s parks exploring the town’s unique arboretum will be launched on Wednesday.

Storyteller Chris Jelly has teamed up with the Minehead Development Trust to create the ‘Parks Walks’.

The web-based guides which can be downloaded to a smart phone or tablet can be used to look at the tree collection in a whole new way.

Chris said: “My approach to creating these trails is likened to a skimming stone, stopping at several segments of the park and dropping interesting facts, myths and tales throughout, and all pivoting on the trees.

“What this is not is an in depth factual tour and history of the Minehead Parks walks.

“Readers can discover which tree produces twigs that can ward off witches, which tree produces nuts that were used to make gunpowder, and how to discover the initial of your true love.”

Stephen Hooper, Minehead Vision manager, commissioned the walks as part of the Vision Plan to enhance and celebrate Minehead’s Horticultural Heritage.

Stephen added: “These new interpretations really bring the arboretum to life in a way that appeals to the child in all of us.

“The walks have been designed to complement the existing guide originally commissioned by the Exmoor Natural History Society, and whose members have been colaborating in the development of the project.”

To celebrate the launch, Chris Jelly will be leading three free walks on August 20, to groups of up to 25 people, at 11am from Parkhouse Road, 1pm from Periton Lane, and 3pm from Porlock Road.

To book a place, call the Minehead Visitor Centre on 01643-702624.

The guide will be free to download from minehead.storywalks.info