The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail celebrates 40 years of art in the forest

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades since the iconic outdoor art trail was first launched in June 1986.

Set within the ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean, the Sculpture Trail has grown into one of the UK’s most distinctive outdoor art installations. Since its conception, the trail has invited artists to create site-specific works that respond directly to the Forest of Dean’s landscape, history and environment, allowing art and nature to evolve together over time.

From innovative origins

One of the first installations of its kind, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail came about through the shared vision of Martin Orrom (then Forestry and Environment Officer for the Forestry Commission) and Jeremy Rees (Founding Director of the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol), who were joined by then curator Rupert Martin.

The trail was modelled after the Grizedale Forest sculpture trail in the Lake District (another Forestry Commission project) and inspired by the Beginner’s Way in Haldon Forest in Devon. The Forest of Dean, with its distinctive geology and post-industrial landscape, and important social and industrial heritage, was chosen as the site for the new trail.

Sarah Bowden, Chair of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust, said:

“When the trail was first launched in June 1986, the idea of commissioning artists to create works specifically for a working forest was bold and experimental. Forty years on, that founding vision remains at the heart of what we do.”

Artworks in a unique context

The trail’s first sculptures, under the collective name Stand and Stare, opened to the public in June 1986. Some of these can still be seen on the trail today, including the instantly recognisable stained-glass window Cathedral by Kevin Atherton.

A second wave of commissions took place in 1988. It was also in 1988 that the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust was set up to oversee the trail and commission new works, both permanent and temporary. A third phase of commissioning took place in 2000, and over the following 26 years further works have joined the collection, temporary installations have come and gone, and some sculptures have been decommissioned for safety reasons.

There are currently 18 ‘official’ sculptures available to visit on the trail. Unlike a traditional sculpture park, the artworks along the trail were developed on location, rather than being simply placed there. These works are ‘in conversation with’ the forest over time, changing with the seasons and eventually being reclaimed by the forest, by animals and plants, and the footfall of visitors. This approach helps make each visit unique.

Working in partnership

Over the past 40 years, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, offering a free-to-access cultural experience in the heart of the forest.

Having become a much-loved destination for local communities and visitors alike, the Sculpture Trail is a powerful example of how art and nature can come together to create something truly special.

Emily Fergusson, Recreation Manager for Forestry England, said:

“We’re proud to have the trail at Beechenhurst since its beginnings and to celebrate this important anniversary. The continuing partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust has encouraged people to interpret the forest in new ways and see the landscape through the eyes of the artists who have worked here. The trail continues to change and grow, just like the forest itself, and we look forward to welcoming new generations of visitors over the years to come.”

Support the future of the Sculpture Trail

As the Sculpture Trail enters its fifth decade, visitors both past and present are encouraged to donate to support the Trust’s work, help invest in future commissions and ensure the Sculpture Trail continues to evolve for generations to come.

As a registered charity, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust relies on donations to commission new sculptures and deliver engagement projects with local communities.

Find out how to donate at www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/about/support-us