New Salisbury River Park Treasure Trail: How to Join and Win Prizes

Families and local visitors have a new way to engage with the city’s natural landscape this summer. The Salisbury River Park Treasure Trail, a 1-mile, fully accessible route, is now open to the public. Designed to encourage exploration of the park’s wildlife and heritage, the trail invites children to solve clues and uncover a secret word, providing a chance to win a piece of River Park artwork.

Participation and How to Join

Participation in the treasure trail is free and open to the public through August 30, 2026. To take part, families can access the trail materials in two ways:

• Digital Download: Visit the official Salisbury City Council website to download the trail map as a PDF, which can be viewed on a smartphone while walking the route.
• Printed Copies: Collect a physical map from the Salisbury Information Centre.

Once participants have successfully uncovered the secret word, they must visit the Five Rivers Leisure Centre to collect their prize. The route is designed to be fully accessible, making it suitable for families with children of various ages.

The Art and Heritage Trail

Beyond the treasure hunt, the park now features a permanent collection of art installations commissioned by the Environment Agency and Salisbury City Council. Curated by Studio Response, the project integrates regional art into the natural environment. Key installations include:

• Zac Newham: Features fish-inspired picnic benches and the “River of Life” installation located at the new play park.
• Jane Edden: The sculptor behind “Fleeting,” a piece inspired by the wing structures of local mayflies and dragonflies, located at the Pocket Park near Mill Stream Approach.
• Fred Fieber and Tech Moon: Responsible for large-scale, vibrant murals on park utility buildings that depict native species such as the Atlantic salmon, kingfisher, and European otter.

Visitors can also enhance their walk by listening to eight short musical pieces composed by Karen Wimhurst, which were inspired by the park and the neighboring Avon Valley Nature Reserve.

The Practical Picture

While the park is currently open for public use, visitors should remain aware that some temporary fencing is still in place in specific areas to protect new vegetation. These sections are expected to be cleared later this summer. For those planning a visit, it is recommended to check the official Salisbury City Council website for the latest updates on the trail and any potential path adjustments before heading out.

Source: Environment Agency News