The Trentham Estate, on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has welcomed a new installation of bronze wildlife sculptures by artist David Meredith to its gardens.
Already recognised for its family-friendly Fairy Trail, the estate is giving visitors the opportunity to see new sculptures – including bronze pheasants rising from prairie planting and a giant tree frog emerging from the undergrowth over the next six months.
The installation features a full range of Meredith’s work in several areas of the garden. Along with the pheasants and tree frog, the new wildlife sculpture attraction also includes a leaping salmon, snails, tawny owls, barn owls, little mice, a large hare, horses and a deer buck and hind.
Dotted around the gardens, the sculptures are not arranged in an official trail, but a leaflet ensures that visitors can track down all of the works of art.
Meredith has been sculpting professionally for more than 20 years, starting his career in the pewter, giftware and retail sectors before specialising in bronze.
“I consider myself very lucky to be doing what I do,” he commented. “Alongside art, my other passion is the natural world. This inspires my work in ways that nothing else can.”
The installation is included with standard garden admission.
More about Trentham Estate
The 725-acre estate, which was previously owned for over 400 years by the Dukes of Sutherland, has undergone a massive regeneration programme since 2003. It boasts the Trentham Gardens, including the Italianate Gardens designed by Charles Barry in the 1830s, as well as a ‘barefoot’ walk, a great children’s adventure play area and a maze.
There is also the Trentham Garden Centre and newly expanded Shopping Village, a mix of shops and eateries with a 119-bedroom Premier Inn Hotel. Additionally, groups can visit the Trentham Monkey Forest where 140 Barbary macaques roam free in a natural woodland environment.
Discounted rates and various offerings are available across the estate for group visitors. GTOs should call 01782 646646 to make an enquiry.
For further information visit www.trentham.co.uk/trentham-gardens.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that it will be taking its flower shows to different locations across the country from next year.
We caught up with Iain Parkinson, head of landscape and horticulture at Wakehurst, to find out what groups can expect from the gardens in West Sussex.
GLT editor Keeley Rodgers on the highlights of our fam trip to Kew Gardens and The Poppy Factory in Richmond.
Charlie Brooks and Liam Fox have kicked off the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as The Childcatcher and Grandpa Potts respectively.
