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Sculpture Trail
(Average user rating: 4 unrated 3.5/5)

Grade of Trail:

  • Moderate

Trail Waymarking:

blue

Length of trail:

4.5 miles

Trail is currently open

 

'Place' on the Sculpture Trail, Forest of Dean

Since 1984 The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust has raised funds to commission artists to celebrate and help us appreciate and understand the life of the forest.

The Sculpture Trust works in partnership with the Forestry Commission which maintains the sculptures and trail.

The sculptures are inspired by the forest - its trees, wildlife and industrial past.

They are mostly constructed from natural material from the Dean - wood, stone and iron. The sculptures are interspersed along the trail through majestic oaks and towering Scots pine trees

A Sculpture Trail leaflet is available containing details of the sculptures for £1 from the Forest of Dean's Coleford office.  The leaflet is also available on site at Beechenhurst Lodge in Forest Connections (price may vary). 

Some of the Sculptures can be accessed with a power assisted wheelchair, please ring the the Forestry Comission, Tel 01594 833057, or e-mail using the link provided for further access information.

 

What do other visitors say?

2 Stars 2 Stars

We visited the Sculpture Trail yesterday, purely on the strength of the Country File feature, but I have to say I was rater disappointed. Some of the artwork is excellent - the stained glass window, and the railway sleepers for example, but well over 50% of the exibhits look like expensive follies. 'Place', the big chair, is well past its sell by date, and Hill 33, which was promoted in the programme as a signature piece is, well frankly, dire - worse than that in fact. Apparently, it's only 18 months old, but it's in such poor condition that, since the programme, it's had to be fenced off for safety reasons - presumably because someone from the Health and Safety Executive saw it on TV! - certainly you wouldn't want to get too close as it looks as if it might give way at any moment.

Adam Ball, 25/Nov/2012
5 Stars 5 Stars

A really great walk. Beautiful setting and wonderful thought provoking sculptures that are standing the test of time. We took a route that covered the Echo, Cathedral, Ring of Fire, Melissa's Swing and of course the excellent Speech House pub for a pint en route!

Matt and Nicky, 26/Aug/2012
4 Stars 4 Stars

Why have more signs in the woodland and spoil the effect - why don't you just pop into the visitor centre shop and buy a map/guide (good value) and you will not miss the sculptures.

Anonymous, 19/May/2012
More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at westengland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

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Chalara ash dieback

Location

OS Grid ref: SO614120

Get directions

Contact

West England District
-
01594 833057
westengland@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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