A family-friendly attraction that brings together literacy and experience of the outdoors was unveiled at the Botanical Gardens today.

The scheme features seven story boards strategically placed around the site.

Each board tells part of the fictional story Abigail’s Dream Adventures, written by Karen Franks, an author of children’s books.

The tale begins under the ficus trees in the southern section of the gardens.

The other six boards can be found on a “meandering” route which runs through the Sensory Garden with the conclusion of the story at the bottom of the Celebration Lawn.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, urged people to visit the gardens and read the story.

He said: “I encourage everyone, especially families and children, to come and enjoy the story walk.

“It is a fantastic way to combine the joys of reading and outdoor activity, promoting both health and literacy.”

Colonel Burch said the boards were placed on a route that aligned with events in the story.

He explained: “This high quality, passive engagement project exemplifies the type of activity that a botanical garden should consist of.”

The minister said the boards, which were designed by the Bermuda National Library, were “visually engaging and enhance the reading experience”.

Colonel Burch said the installation of the boards was sponsored by Deloitte as well as “the skilled craftsmanship” of Crafty Carpentry and Maintenance.

The maintenance team at the Department of Parks installed the posts along the route.

The boards feature QR codes which Colonel Burch said provided additional information with links to the library and parks department websites.

He added: “Technology integration enriches the educational experience and offers visitors more ways to engage with the content.”

Ms Franks said she was grateful to be a part of the project.

She explained she was inspired through her close relationship with the library’s Youth Services unit.

Ms Franks said: “I am always there, reading with the children, storytelling and doing some expressive reading. So, whether I’m here or overseas, I am always there for the library.”

The story will be displayed until the end of summer, after which stories from other authors will be displayed on a cycle.