FC plantation 1957-1966
Forestry Commission woodland - managed by them Wood in the Chiltern hills, 3 miles west of Stokenchurch on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Accessible by road - J5 M40, A40 to Oxford, turn off, past nature reserve. On road to Christmas Common OS grid ref: SU 726957
Known for its covering of bluebells in May [1]
Used to have a sculpture trail established in collaboration with the Sculpture Trust, but this project was discontinued due to a lack of funding. Sculptures currently being removed.[2]
Chultern Sculpture Trail had existed for 17 years (Chiltern sculpture trail to close, Oxford Times, 27 November 2007). At point of closure, had 20 sculptures, which were sold at auction. Was free and open to the public all year round, at a cost of £25,000 to run (maintenance, commissioning new works). Landowners are Forest Enterprise. Sculpture Trust chairman estimated 80,000 visitors a year. Founded 1990. WIde range of artists working with different media. Run on a voluntary basis.
One of a number of FC woods with sculpture, since 1970s. Many of them were hidden and blended with the landscape in such a way that the viewer was not sure whether they were looking at a piece of artwork or a natural phenomenon. "All along the trail, serendipitously windthrown logs, dens, a polythene bag wrapped round a branch in the shape of a squirrel, make you wander whether you are looking at a deliberate work or a natural happening." (Richard Mabey, 'Country Life', The INdependent on Sunday, 25 June 1995
Large car park, with picnic area.[3] Picnic area has sculptured benches designed by Fred Baier.[[4]]
31 March 1944 - a Halifax bomber LW 579 crashed in the wood when returning from a bombing attack on Nuremburg. The entire seven-man crew was killed, and there is a memorial to them in the Wood [5]
Red kites [6] Attract walkers (Red kite captures windfall, This is Oxfordshire, 7 November 2000)
A 70-acre young wood, planted between 1957 and 1966, with two marked trails and, from the access road, extensive views north. In May 1990 a Chiltern sculpture trail was opened, where sculptors have created exciting, original work in woodland settings. (Richard Binns, The Missing Link - M40, The Sunday TImes, 13 January 1991)