Throughout the challenges of the pandemic over the last year, many more people have found comfort in nature. We wanted to use the Sculpture Trail’s 35th anniversary to really celebrate this wonderful and unique environment and introduce new commissions that offer a diversity of voices and experiences.

Cathy Mager, Head of Programme

Running from June to October 2021 ‘Forest to Forest’ was a new temporary trail that will run alongside the existing Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Forestry England’s Beechenhurst site. It was  designed to uplift visitors after the hardship of the pandemic and help them reconnect with nature.

To download our special illustrated map by deaf artist James Merry click here.

Featuring eight artists from the UK and overseas – including a father and his nine-year-old daughter who won the Trust’s open call for South West artists – the sculptures celebrate forest wildlife, flora and fauna and present a diversity of voices. They include:

Tree Hug by Monsieur Plant
The Trees are Talking by Robin and Isla Collings
Animal Shelter by Michelle Cain
Graphic Rewilding by Baker & Borowski
Shovel Bugs by Land Atelier
Escapade by Edith Meusnier
Plastic Pavilion by Seyi Adelekun
Totems by Alicja Biala

The temporary trail was designed to be shorter than the main 4.5 mile trail, making it a more accessible and family friendly route.

I am so excited to install Plastic Pavilion in the mystical Forest of Dean this summer. I find a lot of solace being in nature, so I hope it provides people with a space for mindfulness underneath the floating cosmic eye

Seyi Adelekun, Plastic Pavilion

The last 12 months have been a disconnecting time for us all, so this sculpture will be an opportunity to explore the connecting nature of the forest and the trail for our families and friends

Robin Collings

Trees are an invaluable asset that contribute in many ways to balancing the ecosystem in which we live

Monsieur Plant