Family / Activities
Dyrham Park new family trail
Dyrham Park have opened a new family trail called Hollow Ways, including a wooden sculpture trail by Bristol-based wood artist Andy O’Neill – and one family’s special adopted tree
The family trail opened last weekend and takes visitors out through the lime avenues, open parkland and wooded areas, past eight wooden sculptures including an eagle, fawn and parrot – all inspired by Dyrham Park’s history.
The sculptures were created in just one week by Andy O’Neill, using a chainsaw and other tools. Andy has previously created sculptures for Glastonbury Festival and sites across the Westcountry. The play area includes a giant see-saw, balance beams, bridges and stepping stones.
One family on the trail at the weekend were Amy and Matt Wharton, from Bath, who marked their five year ‘wood’ anniversary, by adopting their own new field maple tree for their new daughter Lyra, at Dyrham Park.
The park is particularly special to the couple as they have visited countless times since becoming a couple five years ago and each time they return, they take photos of their favourite tree. Amy’s blog caught the eye of the Dyrham Park team and they got in touch with the couple to invite them to plant their own tree.
Talking about Dyrham Park on her blog, Amy says: “During my maternity leave, we took day trips to at least five different National Trust properties, but Dyrham Park is my favourite place. We have so many great photos taken there throughout the years, including while I was pregnant. It makes me unbelievably happy to see these photos together and to see Lyra in the bottom left makes my heart swell. Taking a photo under this tree is hands down the best tradition Matt and I ever started.
“I’ve got countless memories of my husband and I walking through the park hand in hand discussing the big things, the little things and nothing at all. We actually chose our daughter, Lyra Josephine’s name walking around the park one day after months of indecision.”
More information on Dyrham Park is available at:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
