The Greensand Trust is delighted to announce the arrival of a new Giant’s Chair at Rushmere Country Park, the centrepiece of its Fairy Trail accessible route, replacing the original which had come to the end of its natural life, having been at the park since it opened.

Like its predecessor, the new chair was created by artist and sculptor Ian Freemantle, who is responsible for many of the magical wooden sculptures found among the winding paths and trees at the park and for the special memories they have brought to life.

The Fairy Trail woodland walk, dotted with fairy doors, sculptures and storytelling spots, is made up of whimsical items made entirely from natural materials and has become a beloved destination for families, children and dreamers of all ages. But like all magical places, it needs a little help to thrive.

With many items now approaching the end of their natural life after 15 some years, much needs to be replaced. As the trail is part of the park’s unique draw, we’re calling on visitors who have previously enjoyed the wonders of our Fairy Trail to support our appeal so we can replace the trail with items equally beautiful, enabling new generations to enjoy it.

Through generous donations from Collins Aerospace and The Leighton Buzzard Townlands Trust (totalling £13K) the Trust has been able to commission Ian to begin work on Rushmere’s most iconic sculptures, the Fairy King and the Giant’s Chair, and has set up a fundraising campaign to fund more of his beautiful work.

Chief Executive Gill Welham commented:

Thank you to those who have already donated and thank you to Ian for bringing his rare talent back to Rushmere to ensure the magic continues for generations to come. We hope that visitors will get behind the appeal to enable us to purchase further replacements and additional items to provide more happy times for families to enjoy in the future.

The arrival of the new Giant’s Chair marks the start of the park’s replenishment of the Fairy Trail sculptures. The Fairy King Quercus has already departed, along with many of the fairies who live behind the fairy doors, and The Trust plans to replace him, along with new fairy doors and play sculptures for kids to play on and a new, larger Leaf Circle – but your help is needed to do this.

Whether you’ve wandered the trail yourself, or simply believe in the power of nature and imagination, your support can make a real difference as every contribution, big or small, helps keep the fairies fluttering and the stories unfolding.

Please donate here

Images: (Top left) Ranger Gary in the new Giant's Chair; (Bottom right) Sculpture Ian Freemantle with his new creation.