Howbery Park Hosts Free Easter Trail Event 2026

Key Points

• Howbery Business Park near Wallingford is hosting a free Easter-themed trail open until Friday, April 10.
• The event transforms the park’s popular animal trail with festive decorations and Easter motifs.
• Local artists Nishchay and Neha Tiwari painted the animal figures, adding creative flair.
• Adam Huxley, a craftsman at HR Wallingford, constructed wooden cut-outs from recycled materials.
• Visitors can collect free maps from the Manor Café on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• The café will be closed from April 3 to April 6 for the Easter Bank Holiday.
• Organisers advise that children should be accompanied for this family-friendly activity.
• HR Wallingford, the owner of the site, opened the 36-hectare park to the public on weekdays, offering several on-site amenities.

Wallingford (Britain Today News) March 31, 2026 — Howbery Business Park, near Wallingford, has opened its annual animal trail with a festive Easter makeover, giving local families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during the holiday season. The free trail is available to visitors until Friday, April 10, and features colourful decorations, interactive displays, and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny.

What makes this Easter trail special this year?

The Howbery Business Park animal trail, already a much-loved attraction for local residents, has undergone a transformation this year with an Easter-themed design. Each resident bird and animal figure on the trail has been creatively painted and paired with seasonal details that reflect the festive spirit.

According to park organisers, this year’s theme is meant to encourage both adults and children to enjoy the blend of art and nature that Howbery offers. The redesigned figures, which include rabbits, birds, and woodland creatures, bring a lively touch to the park’s expansive grounds.

Among those credited for the visual transformation are local artists Nishchay and Neha Tiwari, both of whom contributed their artistic skills to repaint and customise the figures along the route. Nishchay, who also works as a research scientist at HR Wallingford, said the project was

“a wonderful way to mix science, sustainability, and community engagement.”

His wife and fellow artist, Neha, described the creative process as

“a joyful challenge that combined art with environmental awareness.”

Who designed and built the animal cut-outs?

The wooden animals that form the heart of the trail were designed and crafted by Adam Huxley, a skilled technician from HR Wallingford’s workshop. Huxley used scrap wood salvaged from model-building projects, particularly those used for coastal and environmental simulations.

Speaking about his work, Huxley explained that reusing leftover wood aligned with HR Wallingford’s commitment to sustainability.

“Instead of disposing of materials that are completely sound, we give them a second life. The Easter trail is a creative and environmentally responsible way to do that,”

he said.

The craftsmanship involved in constructing and restoring the animal figures has made the trail both durable and eco-friendly, further supporting Howbery’s reputation as a green and community-conscious business park.

When and how can visitors take part?

Visitors planning to take part in the Easter trail can collect complimentary maps at the Manor Café, located within the business park. The maps, which provide a guide to all the trail’s resident animals and their festive guests, are available on working weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The organisers noted that the café will remain closed for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday, April 3 through Monday, April 6, resuming regular hours the following Tuesday. During the closure, guests are still welcome to walk the park grounds, though food and beverage services will not be available.

Families are encouraged to supervise young children throughout the walk, as the trail includes sections near water features and woodland areas. The route is designed for accessibility where possible, offering smooth paths suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

What facilities and features are available at Howbery Business Park?

Spread across 36 hectares, Howbery Business Park is well known for its serene landscapes that include riverside paths, woodland trails, and grassy open spaces. Owned and managed by HR Wallingford, a company specialising in environmental and flood management research, the park combines professional office spaces with recreational amenities open to the local community.

Among its facilities are a children’s nursery, a gym, a yoga studio, and even a small wine-tasting venue, giving employees and visitors multiple leisure options. The grounds are regularly maintained to encourage biodiversity, supporting local wildlife and creating a peaceful environment suitable for both business and leisure.

The business park has often hosted seasonal events and art exhibitions, making the Easter trail just one example of how it connects with the community. Over recent years, such events have drawn increasing participation, with families returning annually to explore new themes and designs.

How is the community reacting to the Easter trail?

Local residents have responded enthusiastically to the return of the Easter-themed animal trail. Families from Wallingford and nearby villages see the event as a cost-free outing that blends art, nature, and family fun. Parents have praised the park’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and local involvement.

Visitors have shared photos on social media platforms, tagging Howbery Business Park and HR Wallingford, with comments highlighting the detailed craftsmanship, colourful artwork, and festive vibe. Others praised the accessible layout and the fact that it remains free to the public.

One parent from the local area remarked that the trail

“captures the essence of Easter—creativity, nature, and togetherness—without the commercial distractions.”

This sentiment reflects the park’s success in balancing professional use with social responsibility.

How does Howbery Business Park contribute to the local environment?

As part of HR Wallingford’s broader mission, the park serves as an example of sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. By repurposing materials like scrap wood for community projects, Howbery reduces waste and promotes local craftsmanship.

The park also serves as an open green space within the semi-urban surroundings of Wallingford, offering habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. It supports conservation initiatives led by HR Wallingford staff, including tree planting, water quality monitoring, and educational outreach programmes.

Furthermore, the Easter trail encourages visitors to engage with the environment in a positive and responsible way—an idea that resonates with HR Wallingford’s long-standing focus on environmental research and resilience projects.

Why is this event significant for the local community?

Events like the Easter-themed trail strengthen the relationship between Howbery Business Park and its neighbouring communities. By opening its scenic grounds to families, schools, and local creatives, HR Wallingford helps foster social cohesion and support for local artists and technicians.

The trail’s emphasis on reuse, collaboration, and accessibility reflects broader community values, offering a model that other business parks in South Oxfordshire may wish to emulate. For many visitors, it is not merely a decorative exhibition but a hands-on experience that celebrates creativity and shared space.

As Howbery Business Park continues hosting such community-driven events, it reinforces the role of businesses in promoting cultural and environmental well-being alongside economic activity. The 2026 Easter edition, with its charming displays and family focus, has once again drawn public interest and reaffirmed the park’s reputation as one of Wallingford’s most welcoming venues.