INDOC. Documentation Centre about Art and Nature

Grizedale Forest Park

This sculpture park is located deep in the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria, a county in the north-west of England. More than 90 artists, including David Nash and Andy Goldsworthy, have created works for the park since it was set up in 1977. The project to create sculptural works in the landscape is an initiative of the Grizedale Society, an association that originally concentrated on theatre and the visual arts.

Grizedale, which means ‘valley where young pigs are kept’, is a park with a history going back to the 11th century, when monks from Furness Abbey destroyed much of the woodland to make way for sheep pastures. During the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, much of the land was planted with softwoods, which were a source of fuel for furnaces. Later 70,000 oaks were planted along with many other species, and in the 19th century close to half a million larch trees were also planted. During World War II the forest became the site for a prisoner of war camp. Finally, the Forestry Commission of the British government assumed responsibility for the woodland.

Grizedale Arts provides grants for sculptors in residence, who create temporary or permanent works for the park. Leading artists have taken part in the programme, and the park now boasts more than 90 sculptures. One of the pioneers was David Nash, who executed five pieces using materials taken from the surrounding forest. Other artists who have contributed to the park include Richard Harris, Jony Easterby, Robert Koenig and Keir Smith.

More information and contact

Grizedale Forest Park

Grizedale, Hawkshead, Ambleside
Cumbria LA 22 0QJ

Tel.: +44 (0) 1229860010

E-mail: grizedale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

• Website of Grizedale Forest Park

Source: Photos extracted from the Grizedale Forest Park website.

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