The Forestry England site is free to enter – you only pay if you park there
The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is dotted with hidden treasures(Image: Getty)
Forest walks are a popular pastime for many of us here in Bristol and the surrounding areas, being that our local neighbourhoods sit so close to some idyllic countryside and woodland.
Whether you’re trying to escape the heat of summer by opting for a shaded adventure under the canopy of trees, or fancy soaking up all the colour of the autumn months, The Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean is a trail that all ages – and abilities – can enjoy.
Filled with an array of sculptures – from a hanging giant stained glass window, to wooden carvings, and many more – this magical trail just an hour from Bristol turns 40 this year.
More than 30 artworks – both temporary and permanent – have appeared along the trail over the 40 years since its opening in 1986. Forestry England says some have weathered and remained, while others have returned to the forest “but all have left their mark on those who walk among them”.
In a video to Facebook recently, one of the recreation managers at Beechenhurst, named Emily, said: “The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail goes out on a loop from Beechenhurst and it has 18 sculptures throughout the route. It brings the forest environment into the art space and the art space into the forest itself.
“We have a huge range of art pieces, some that are much more conceptual, using many different materials, because it’s the artist’s individual interpretation or response to the forest environment. They can range from being really colourful, made of metal, or they can be wooden – we’ve got steam-bent oak along the trail, we’ve got glass, we have stone. So no sculpture on the trail is the same.
(Image: Mark Watkins)
“Thanks to the Sculpture Trail being at Beechenhurst, we’ve been able to create and maintain a really accessible way for people to get up close with art and experience it outside of a gallery setting.”
While it didn’t open until 1986, the original idea for what many now now and love as The Sculpture Trail, was conceived a couple of years prior. Sarah, chair of Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust CIO, said: “The Sculpture Trail was initially called the Sculpture Project. Back in 1984, groups of artists were invited to come and spend time in the Forest of Dean.
“They stayed at the Speech House Hotel, which is a historic location in the heart of the forest. And from proposals, six sculptures were selected. There was no trail at that point, people were given a kind of hand-drawn map, and really just invited to find their own way around.
“The Sculpture Trust was formed in 1989 and I think then there was much more of an idea of placing and creating some kind of experience for the public to be able to navigate the sculptures, to be able to add new sculptures to the trail over time, which has now evolved into the magical place that we have now.”
The trail currently consists of 18 sculptures in total, which range from 1986, right the way up to the most recent addition – ‘Gathering’ by Gloucestershire local Julian Wild, which was added in 2023 and consists of a artwork that stands like ‘a strange forest of brightly coloured geometric trees adorned with reflective fungi’.
Nina, recreation ranger at Beechenhurst, also spoke of ‘Cathedral’ – a hanging stained glass window and one of the first sculptures put on the trail in 1986 by the artist Kevin Atherton. She said: “We normally get about 300,000 visitors annually, and last year in 2025 we had 130,000 of those visit the Sculpture Trail.
“The whole entire trail is nearly five miles long and it takes roughly two to three hours. But you can do shortcuts – there is a shortcut A and shortcut B. You don’t need to have a background in art to appreciate it.
“You get lots of children wanting to walk it and admire the sculptures in that way. I think anyone can sort of interpret it how they would like to and just enjoy being out in nature.
“We often hear stories of people that came to visit the trail when it was first opened in 1986 and they come back many years later to see how it’s evolved over time.”
The Cathedral sculpture by Kevin Atherton at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail(Image: Will Luker)
Recently, the trail was made more accessible than ever, with the addition of a new piece of equipment to help people with limited access get around. Nina said: “Last year, we brought in an all-terrain mobility scooter that’s called ‘Wandering Willow’, and she has helped revolutionise the trail for people who couldn’t get out onto the trail beforehand.
“The trail is absolutely free to walk. All you have to pay for if you park at Beechenhurst, is parking, but you can enjoy a whole day out for that.”
Beechenhurst itself is home to a cafe, picnic area, play area, toilets and baby changing facilities, meaning it can be used as a base or stop before or after you hit the trail. You can hire our a covered BBQ in the Glade, and there’s even a Go Ape high ropes course for older thrill-seekers.
If you fancy a bike ride and have your bikes with you during your visit, you can embark on a family-friendly cycling route called Colliers Trail, which allows you to explore more of the Forest of Dean’s landscape.
Parking charges currently range from £2.50 for an early bird (exit before 10.30am) to £9 for all day parking, with money going back into helping look after the forests. Memberships are also available for those who feel they’ll want to return more regularly.