THE traditional family Boxing Day walk will get a hi-tech upgrade in two of the borough's largest parks after the launch of a digital nature trail.
New interactive nature trails were launched at Happy Valley and Farthing Downs parks this week, where walkers can scan QR code with their smartphones or tablets to get information about nearby wildlife and history.
Visitors can learn about the burial mounds of Saxon chiefs, rare wildflowers and orchids, butterflies, birds and more.
Using a QR (quick response) reader app, visitors can scan the distinctive codes which direct them to a web page with background information in text and pictures about what they can be seen around them.
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "This is a terrific use of modern technology, giving people the means of finding out all sorts of interesting facts about two of Croydon's most beautiful spots.
"It will probably be of particular interest to younger people who might not have been so inclined to read the previously available guide booklets.
"This brings the nature trail firmly into the twenty-first century, and, as owner of Happy Valley, the council would like to thank the City of London Corporation, which owns Farthing Downs, and the Friends of Farthing Downs for their work in helping to bring this project to life.
"It's a great Christmas gift for the many, many people who enjoy walking there."
Dominic North, the countryside warden for Happy Valley, and project coordinator, said: "There's simply so much wildlife and historical interest in these two areas that we wanted to help visitors appreciate just how special they are, and how lucky we are to have them on our doorstep in Croydon."
