Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail

Cathedral by Kevin Atherton

Look out for some great snowy footage of Cathedral by Kevin Atherton in this lovely short film by Jack Blanch

This week, we're taking an in-depth look at our Sculpture of the Week - Henry Castle's Coal Measure Giants.
The images below show the two forms that make up the sculpture.
'One form is an exact replica of a larch set made by a local free miner, and the other a vertical tree-like form resembling a Calamite, and cast from the three elements of the same set. The larch used to make the set, was felled by the Forestry Commission from the living forest. These man-made casts of tree...s in the living forest sit alongside natural casts of trees growing 300 million years ago.
The use of iron, as well as having a permanence, relates to coal and iron ore mining being common denominators of the industrial history of the Forest of Dean; the two come together in the larch sets cast in iron.
It is estimated that one meter of coal is the result of 7000 years of plant growth, which gives some kind of physical measurement of time. This work invites the public to experience a physical expression of the vertical depth of the main coal seam (the Coleford High Delf), which lies 300 meters below the surface by walking this distance between the two sculptures, one of which can be seen from the other in the landscape. The site is very important; the sculptures are placed above actual mine workings in order for the public to be encouraged to visualise what lies below their feet and to give understanding to the imagery of the sculptures themselves. One of the sculptures is sited close to a stream, which continuously runs red, rising up from underground where iron deposits lie. This element of the piece contrasts the fluid nature of iron and water with the hard, inert nature of the cast iron forms. The presence of iron is evident all over the Forest, coating objects man-made and natural in a mantle of bright orange.'
This extract was taken from www.henrycastle.com - visit the site to find out more about the sculptor behind this impressive piece of work.
Prefer to see Coal Measure Giants in the flesh? It's number 13 on our trail.
Thank you to Photography by Steve Green for these images, captured last autumn.
See More

| Sculpture of the Week
Watch this fantastic film of Henry Castle’s ‘Coal Measure Giants’ being installed on the Sculpture Trail back in 2016.
The sculpture tells the story of coal in the Forest of Dean, bringing to the surface aspects of what lies hidden to most people below the ground of forest.
... The two sculptures, placed 300 meters apart, have two elements each, which relate to two different periods of The Forest’s history, both geological and industrial.
The figure of 300 is significant: a large stone taken from a local quarry forms one the structures. This stone carries the casts of trees from 300 million years ago and matches the very same tree types that can be seen in the ceilings of the mines. Bringing the tree fossils up from underground and placing them in the living forest creates an instant dialogue between two landscapes 300 million years apart.
The second element of the sculptures are two cast iron forms based on the larch props (or sets), which are used to brace between the layers of sandstone as coal is removed to form the mine tunnels.
The props are a direct representation of the removed coal, cut and formed to the thickness of the coal measure. These are forms that have been left in the ground as the earth, clay and water take back the mine and the props become a skeleton of the mine works.
See More

Happy snow day!
Goldilocks would approve of our smattering of snow across the trail today - not too much, not too little - it's just right for a beautiful walk through the forest to see the snow-kissed sculptures.
How's the snowfall with you?
... 📸 Chris Morris, 2018
See More

Are you up for a challenge?!
Travel blogger and Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail regular - Splodz Blogz has released her February Photo Challenge.
Splodz Blogz Daily Photo Challenge February 2019 encourages participants to view their surroundings in a slightly different way each day and to share these glimpses of life across social media, using the hashtag #SplodzDPC
... There are daily prompts to help you focus your outlook, and by following #SplodzDPC you will be able to connect with - and be inspired by - fellow participants.
Splodz is also a #GetOutside Champion for The Ordnance Survey. Her One Hour Outside campaign encourages people to spend at least one hour outside every single day (whatever the weather!). She also runs Outdoor Bloggers with friend and fellow blogger Jenni, a network for fellow bloggers who love to get outside and then write about it.
Find out more about Splodz and the February challenge over on her website.
See More

The Forestry Commission Woods and Forests is giving YOU the opportunity to shape the future of the Forest of Dean.
What do you want to happen over the next 100 years to ensure a future for this beautiful landscape?
In light of an ever-changing world, from climate to society, the Forestry Commission has launched 'Our Shared Forest' - a project which will focus on reshaping and redirecting land management – to set a new direction – for the public forest estate.
... 'The Forest of Dean has a scale, diversity and a continuity of management through space and time that supports a depth and breadth of habitat and species that is on a par with, or better than many celebrated national nature reserves and protected landscapes'.
Click below to find out more and have your say.
See More

Beat the blues today by heading outdoors - new research from the department of health reported 12% of cases of depression could be prevented with an hour of exercise each week.
So our prescription for conquering #BlueMonday is to visit our sculpture trail, where you can breathe in the beauty of the Forest of Dean and leave feeling uplifted.
And whilst we're on the subject of exercise...why don't you sign up for the #forestry100 running series? You can do a single 10km run or... - if you're really up for a challenge - do 10; that's 100km of fantastic runs through some of the most beautiful forests in the UK; including the Forest of Dean.
We're polishing our trainers as we speak - see you on the start line?
See More

'There's no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothes!'
The weather outside may be frightful, but our trail is so delightful, come rain or shine! Wrap up warm, get your waterproofs on, and come and visit us this weekend!
Thanks to Christopher Ian Howell for sharing these great photos of his recent visit.

This Saturday 19th January, The Bristol Famblers are inviting families to join them on a walk along the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
The group was set up to bring families together in the great outdoors, away from the distractions of modern life. With the wonderful scenery and sculptures, great company and lots of children to entertain each other, suddenly that 10,000 steps-a-day target will seem effortless!
Click below to find out more and don't forget to share your photos with us!

| SCULPTURE OF THE WEEK⁣
Yaşasin⁣ by Pomona Zipser, 2016
Berlin-based Pomona Zipser’s sculpture was handcrafted from sweet chestnut felled from the site of the Trail, in the Forest of Dean; of the forest, for the forest.
... Zipser collaborated with local artists and craftsmen to make the sculpture at Tan House Farm in Newland. The sculpture was then transported to the site to be installed.⁣
Playing with density, dimensions, and colour, Yaşasin makes a thought-provoking and visual connection to the surrounding environment; a beautiful structure from which to contemplate and observe the ever-changing forest.⁣
Photo: Photography by Steve Green
See More

We love seeing the photos of your visits to our Sculpture Trail - thank you Samantha Harris for sharing these fab pics.
The trail is open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week - so plan your next visit and be sure to tag us in on your photos!

Come and meet Zog and his friends in the Forest of Dean!
Landing at Beechenhurst Cafe today, Julia Donaldson's and Alex Scheffler's zany Zog and friends will be hiding in the forest waiting for you to find them!
If you're up for the challenge, Zog activity packs are available from the café for £3 (during opening hours, or from the Rangers Hatch during Gloucestershire school holidays). Inside you’ll find a special lens which reveals hidden pictures along the trail, a booklet w...ith fun activities, and a Zog mask to wear so that you don't frighten Zog and his chums...
The trail starts from the main Beechenhurst building and is about 1 mile long - perfect for little leggies!
Don't forget to share your family snaps from the trail on social media with #ZogTrail!
See More

Calling all writers!
You have just a few days left to apply for this fantastic opportunity with the Forestry Commission Woods and Forests in celebration of 100 years of forestry.
What stories do the forests hold for you? Could you commit your tales to paper, to be shared with the nation?
... To find out more, follow the link below. The deadline for submissions is on Monday 14th December. Good luck!
https://www.forestryengland.uk/100/writer s…
#forests100
See More

What a glorious morning for a spot of Shinrin Yoku - aka Forest Bathing ❄️☀️🌲
Check out these simple tips below from the Forestry Commission Woods and Forests then head to our Sculpture Trail to practice what you've learnt!
Let us know how you get on - and if Forest Bathing is a regular mindfulness activity for you, please share your tips in the comments below.

New Year, new hobby?
How about finally signing up to that photography course that you've always wanted to do?
Here's a recommendation from us - the wonderful David Broadbent Photography will be leading this workshop on behalf of Humble by Nature.
... 'Learn to use your camera to take beautiful photos in this natural world photography course.' Then head to the glorious setting of the Forest of Dean to practice your new skills! Don't forget to share your photos with us.
See More

Made any plans for the weekend? If you’re looking for family fun, bring the brood to our Sculpture Trail. There’s so much for everyone to see and do. Don’t just take our word for it - here’s some feedback from a recent visitor 😊 👇👇👇

D A T E F O R T H E D I A R Y ! !
Happy new year! We're so excited about our upcoming events in 2019, we thought we'd share this date with you sooner rather than later.
Join us for an evening reception and art auction at Lydney Park Estate to raise funds for the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Cusp - a seminal new sculpture... by Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva.
When? Saturday 23rd March 2019 What time? 6pm – 9pm Where? Lydney Park Estate
Limited tickets will go on sale online in mid January. To register your interest email info@forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk