Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, David McKee’s beloved children’s book character, has returned to Elephant Park, London; where a colourful trail of community-designed statues can be found ahead of 2022 World Book Day, for all to enjoy.

Elmer is a renowned champion of diversity and inclusivity; he helps to teach children to accept each other’s differences and celebrate our uniqueness. To echo this, the herd of Elmers in the trail were designed by a range of community groups and artists local to the area in 2019. Primary schools, pensioners, youth groups and local residents were all involved in the design of the sculptures, which can be found around Elephant Park, just a five minute walk from Elephant & Castle station.

Back in Elephant Park to tie in with World Book Day on 3 March 2022, participants in the self-guided trail will be able to download a map, or pick up a copy at the Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library, which is also the start of the trail. As you seek out all 10 Elmers, the trail will lead you around Elephant Park, taking in aspects such as the new two-acre park, and popular rocky landscape and water feature, Elephant Springs.

The public art installation is at Elephant Park for the foreseeable future.