This autumn, the Woodland Fairy Trail returns to the magical woodlands of Cirencester Park. The 1.5km loop trail meanders through the woodland with ten fairy doors hidden amongst the trees, along with a sprinkling of pumpkins!
The Fairy Trail was created to encourage little ones to spend time in nature and discover the beauty of the Park’s woodlands, all with the help of some fairies! Located next to The Hexagon in Cirencester Park, the Fairy Trail is pushchair friendly and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Creating the Woodland Fairy Trail
The making of the trail involved an array of local businesses, along with the talents and goodwill from Bathurst Estate staff. The preparation of the woodland and creation of ‘The Stumpery’ was carried out by the Bathurst Estate’s Forestry Team. The team carried out essential tree clearance work to make the woodlands safe for fairies, along with removing diseased trees suffering from ash dieback.
The ten fairy doors were individually handcrafted and fitted to each tree by Thomas Purdy of Thomas Purdy Designs and Nicholas Salter, Natural Building and Landscapes, based near Stroud.
The wooden toadstools dotted along the trail were carved from fallen trees across the Estate’s woodlands by the talented Jacob Spore of Crazy Crafts & Co, a talented chainsaw carver.
Along the Trail you will discover ‘The Glade’, a clearing in the woodland adorned with tree stumps – the perfect place to enjoy a snack and the sounds of nature. In the trees here you will find some fabulous bunting, handcrafted by Jane Winstanley, a member of the Bathurst Estate team using recycled material.
The Woodland Fairy Trail Map and colouring book were designed by the talented Laura Wright, who’s fabulous shop is located on Black Jack Street, a stone’s throw from Cirencester Park. The trail map, available to purchase for £4 provides the perfect guide around the trail for little ones to follow. The trail is also signposted, with signs crafted by Niall Young of the Woodland Shelf Company, based in Cerney Wick.
Woodland Fairy Trail Opening Times
The Woodland Fairy Trail is open daily from 18th October – 2nd November from 10am with last entries at 4pm. Fairy Trail maps, which include a colouring book are available to purchase at the ticket offices at Cecily Hill and Windsor Walk, or are available to pre-purchase online by clicking here.
