Interactive trails at RHS Gardens

Interactive trails at RHS Gardens: The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Farshore, part of HarperCollins Publishers, are teaming up in February 2026 to celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations for Kenneth Grahame’s classic The Wind in the Willows with interactive children’s trails around all five RHS Gardens.

Running between 14 February and December 2026, a selection of the beloved illustrations will feature in The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure, which will be made up of a host of exciting activities featuring favourite characters Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger. Taking part across RHS Garden Wisley, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Rosemoor, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and RHS Garden Bridgewater, the trails will explore the gardens’ most iconic sights and bring plenty of storybook magic. The exciting partnership aligns with the RHS’s 2026 biodiversity theme, using the rich, nature-based world of The Wind in the Willows to spark curiosity about wildlife, habitats, and the importance of protecting the natural environment.

The collaboration comes as the illustrations hit a landmark 95 years since their first release, and the 50th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s death. Around the spectacular gardens, the young and young at heart can discover sensory boxes, traditional garden games, photo opportunities and plenty of outdoor fun to follow a The Wind in the Willows story.

Elin Simonsson, Head of Public Engagement at the RHS, says: “ We are delighted to celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s much-loved The Wind in the Willows illustrations across our five RHS Gardens and are excited to share the trail with visitors of all ages. The celebration of nature, the great outdoors, and fun with friends aligns with our philosophy of championing children’s joy in nature and encouraging children to explore and discover wildlife in our gardens, the perfect settings for the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger”.

Cally Poplak, Managing Director of HarperCollins Children’s Books and Farshore, says: “The RHS trails are a joyful way to celebrate with families the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s original illustrations for The Wind in the Willows. This feels especially timely with the National Year of Reading in 2026, when families will be encouraged to follow their passions, be it playing about on riverbanks or spotting wildlife – then cuddle up with a book.”

Trustees of The Shepard Trust said: “We are so pleased that the RHS and Farshore are bringing E.H. Shepard’s iconic “The Wind in the Willows” illustrations to life through these wonderful trails. Shepard’s artistry continues to enchant across generations whilst inspiring appreciation for the natural world and the enduring power of storytelling.”

Alongside the trails, HarperCollins launches an ambitious three-year publishing plan for The Wind in the Willows, which will see two wonderful new titles publish in 2026 and further new editions and formats planned for 2027 and 2028. The Adventures of Portly The Otter: Untold Tales from The Wind in the Willows by award-winning and bestselling author M. G. Leonard with illustrations by Polly Dunbar, in the style of E. H. Shepard, will publish on 26th March 2026. On 10th September 2026, Farshore will publish Messing About on Boats: Mindful Moments from The Wind in the Willows, bringing together original quotes from the text accompanied by Shepard’s artwork as well as meaningful reflections on life and the calming effect nature has on our wellbeing. Both titles will be available in RHS shops alongside Farshore’s classic and picturebook editions of Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved novel.

The trails are included with entry to the RHS Gardens and will be available to purchase online and at all gardens.

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