227: Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Woorgreens Lake (Forest of Dean 2024)

FOREST OF DEAN WALK FEATURING FOREST OF DEAN SCULPTURE TRAIL AND WOORGREENS LAKE
"Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Woorgreens Lake”
Filmed 13th March 2024
Post-production completed 9th April 2024
Filmed in the Forest of Dean in the county of Gloucestershire. Locations include the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Woorgreens Lake.
Written, presented, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Special thanks to Forestry England for their information used in my research for this film.
Click here for a map showing the route of the walk: explore.osmaps...
Sculpture Trail guide: www.forestryen...
"The Solitary Rambler" is my series of amateur films of my journeys in the countryside accompanied by my own musical scores, which I compose and perform on my Yamaha keyboard.
Please note that, as with all the films I make, this is not actually intended to be an extensive guide to the area. This is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I often share some of my own personal stories.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online and/or in books during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
IF YOU ENJOY MY CHANNEL THEN PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME:
For a small fee you can download any of my musical soundtracks I have composed for my films: patrickleach.b...
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[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

What I love most about this is the sheer diversity of the artworks. So many ideas, so many different takes.

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Oooh this is different - some interesting sculptures there. Really enjoyed the walk/exploring. Cheers.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, it sure is different. Thanks for watching 👍

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Cathedral was definitely the best, in my opinion. It's beautiful. Thanks for showing us around Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for watching Chris. Yes Cathedral is wonderful isn't it 👍

[@erikanascimento2136]

My dream is to visit the United Kingdom, but I'm Brazilian and I don't know how to speak English, I'm glad there's internet so I can watch videos of this beautiful place

[@solitaryrambler]

I hope you do visit one day. Thanks for watching 👍😀

[@MrSteveMG]

Morning Patrick, that was a real pleasant change and what a fabulous Sculpture trail too (we have visited one or two poor ones recently) ..and agreed, the stained glass sculpture is my favourite too ! I have said this before, you have a great narrative voice which really keeps the Sculpture Trail story in focus :o)

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Steve, yes this sculpture trail is awesome and has been around a long time now, although many I remember from previous visits are no longer there, but replaced by newer ones. Thanks for the compliment! 👍😀

[@caronfrench4683]

I really enjoyed this, perfect music for the video too. Thank you!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for watching! 👍😀

[@harrylinsdell8114]

What a fascinating place to visit Patrick,glad you shared it with us cheers

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Harry, pleased you enjoyed it 👍

[@daveydoo3173]

Lovely walk, interesting to see.. But not so sure a sculpture trail would be for me... Maybe oneday i will try one out 😁😁

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Dave, it's not for everyone I guess, but it's quite impressive to see 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

The Sculpture Trail is something that must be unique, I would think, Patrick, So many unusual sculptures that have amazingly been created for the public to view and enjoy. What's most impressive to me is how that oak has been twisted and turned, probably with soaking in water and then heated up to bend it to the required shape. Moving on, all of the sculptures look fantastic, and the stained glass arch one at the end is such a delight. The area around the Woorgreens Lake is so tranquil. Many thanks for presenting this lovely film for us, Patrick, it's so enjoyable.

[@solitaryrambler]

Yes that oak is a new one since I visited previously, but a marvel how it was twisted and turned. Many of the sculptures have come and gone over the years, but the Cathedral has been there when the trail first opened in the 1980's, and it's still the best of all the sculptures in my opinion. Glad you enjoyed it Ffranc, thanks for watching 👍

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

The artist has sawn a slab of oak into thin strips - lamina, is what a woodworker would call them - and placed them in a steam chamber under fairly high pressure. Once the lamina were thoroughly wetted, heated, and softened they'd be removed one by one and immediately pressed/clamped into shape, then glued together or laminated once they had all dried; the sculpture would then have to be sanded and finished (the most time-consuming part!) to protect it from the elements. There may also be internal stainless steel bracing to ensure the sculpture won't shift or fall over in strong winds.

[@SetForAdventures]

That was a lovely walk Patrick in its own right add the sculptures and it’s amazing my favourite was the canoes 🛶 mind the cathedral was beautiful too ATB Simon and thanks 🙏🏼

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Simon 😀 Those canoes have been there since the start I think, but I would say the Cathedral is my favourite of them all. Thanks Simon for watching and all the best! 👍😀

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi Patrick. I hope you are well. 😊 What a fun trail. I liked the artwork and sculptures along the way. It certainly makes a woodland walk more interesting. Have a good week. All the best. 😀

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Rachel, it's a fab trail for those who enjoy sculptures and it does indeed add something to this area of the Forest of Dean. Have a good week too 👍😀

[@johnwright8748]

Fascinating, Patrick. I've never seen anything like the Sculpture Trail before, especially the "cathedral" piece. Very interesting and enjoyable...thank you.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you liked it John, thanks for watching. Yes the "Cathedral" is normally the sculpture people remember best on this trail. All the best 👍

[@CountrysideWalking]

Hi Patrick. So nice to see a change of pace with your Forest of Dean Sculpture trail film. Comprehensive information of individual exhibits too. We have often found similar sculpture trails perhaps not finding as many. Did you use a w-ifi mic for the more distant shots? Just wondered. Also I really liked the change of music style similar to the early electronic 'Dr Who' theme.😊 Very relaxing to watch. Thanks

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shanita. Pleased you enjoyed the sculpture trail. I was reading the notes from the downloaded trail guide from the trail website, so a handy bit of information to carry with me. I only have my Rode on-camera shotgun mic, but I am still getting used to my new kit. Glad you enjoyed the music, it was all synth, and I was again experimenting with something new for a change. Thanks Shanita for all your kind words and for watching 👍

[@jigamything]

Hi Patrick, the music (especially 5:22 to 6:22 and 8:27 to 8:50 and 16:35 to 17:40) conveyed a very mysterious, mystical and haunting atmosphere to your video. You stated, in a reply to one of your comments, that you were using a synth setting. It perfectly fitted the footage being filmed; perhaps you should feature your synth sounds more often as they worked very well in this instance. Once again, an enjoyable video. Thank you, Ken.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for watching Ken and for all your kind words, much appreciated. I do experiment with different sounds when I compose music, but I do find it very hard to come up with something new for every film I make. I will continue to experiment though and see what happens 😀 Thanks again 👍

[@stephmcghie8732]

Afternoon Patrick, really enjoyed the sculpture trail, what interesting sculpture's they are, the old railway lane especially..imagine that a train running through the forest! Thankyou for this fascinating walk 😊 have a good weekend.

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Steph, it sure is a great trail, although it has changed over the years with different sculptures. Thanks for watching, have a great weekend too 👍😀

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Patrick , lovely walk , you saved the best for last .Thank you Patrick we really enjoyed it.

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shaun, thanks for watching. Yeah that last one is certainly the best 👍

[@shanedallastaylor570]

what a lovely walk,the sculpture trail was so relaxing.i to liked the stained glass window,that was my favourite.and the lake looked lovely.music was delightful.cannot wait for another fantastic video.hope you are feeling better.take care.👍👍❤️❤️

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Shane. The trail is lovely although some of the sculpture I remember from before have gone and new ones in their place. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best 👍

[@russ3994]

Fascinating Patrick another wonderful walk Forest of dean certainly looks interesting ! but can not get enough of the Peak district Patrick that's why we are coming back in September staying Bakewell hooray !! 😀😎👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Russ, can't beat the good old Forest of Dean. I'm sure you'll enjoy Bakewell in September 👍😀

[@AdrianThomas-sn1yk]

Really enjoyed this walk Patrick. As a Hereford lad, I have walked this area a lot over the years. You have portrayed it perfectly! It's motivated me to pop down there again over the summer! Thanks.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Adrian, thanks for all the kind comments 👍😀

[@sylviarowley6668]

Lovely video as always. Thank you for sharing. ❤️xx

[@solitaryrambler]

You are welcome Sylvia, thank you for your kind words and for watching 👍😀

[@jeanwainwright598]

Hi Patrick, We are enjoying your walks around the Forest of Dean, we loved the Cathedral and the Sculpture Walk, it looked a bit muddy under foot, but you managed not to slip and fall. take care regards Dave & Jean

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Dave and Jean, pleased you have been enjoying my Forest of Dean walks. I remember it being really muddy everywhere I went back in March, and I'm sure I would have slipped, but it wouldn't have been whilst I was filming 😁 Thanks for watching, all the best 👍

[@nickcooper1260]

Some interesting sculptures, Patrick, each one unique. I like the way many alude to the mining that took place in the area., mining history should never be forgotten, as much gonig on under the ground as above it.

[@solitaryrambler]

It's a great trail and certainly aludes to the mining history of the Forest. Thanks Nick for watching 👍

[@endurance-adventures]

It was interesting seeing the sculptures, and how they’ve evolved since your earlier visits, loved the cathedral

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching Steph. There are some great sculptures, and Cathedral is certainly my favourite 👍😀

[@richardchan9595]

Very unique trail with all the sculptures. Thanks for sharing, Patrick!

[@solitaryrambler]

It sure is Richard, thanks for watching! 👍😀

[@Greatoutdoorswalks2061]

Love it Patrick What a Fantastic Place Thank You Cheers

[@solitaryrambler]

It sure is fantastic, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@wyenotwalk9393]

Another great video. Wonderful to get an update , after not being there myself for so many years. Thank you Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for your kind words and for watching, much appreciated 👍

[@sofiaengelke1276]

Wonderful film Patrick. I like the new sculptures and how tactile they are and the long established ones that have been there through the decades and have withstood the trust of time. I am very surprised how Cathedral has not been damaged by the elements and still stands proudly. Thank you for this very atmospheric walk through your beloved Forest of Dean.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Sofia for watching and for your great comments. Last time I visited the Sculpture Trail was back in early 2006, so I did notice this time that many of the sculptures were no longer there and replaced with newer ones. Good to see lots of the older ones still there too though especially Cathedral. It is amazing it stands proudly, really pleased it's not been damaged. All the best 👍

[@michaeldenham9681]

Sculpture trails seem to have become more and more popular over the last few decades. Always interesting to see. So many ideas.

[@solitaryrambler]

They certainly are, and this one has been around a long time now, although some sculptures have gone that I remember from previous visits and replaced with newer ones. Thanks Michael for watching 👍

[@Lakeviews]

Been going through your video's and they are very relaxing to watch with great information added to each one.looking forward to seeing more from you.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you like them, thanks for watching and commentign, much appreciated 👍

[@claireEt9055]

What an interesting sculpture walk. Great that they have survived all those years out in the elements! Thanks Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Pleased you enjoyed it Claire. It sure is amazing how these sculptures have survived. Thanks for watching 👍

[@CALUM217]

It's interesting watching this and then looking back at when you did this walk in 2006 around the same time of year and how things have changed since then

[@solitaryrambler]

It was as interesting for me too revisiting this trail after all those years and seeing how some of the sculptures had come and gone 👍

[@iamwoteveriwanttobe]

I'm not into modern art, but besides one oddly out of place one imo, they were interesting sculptures with connection to the forest. The one at the end was definitely impressive.

[@solitaryrambler]

It sure is impressive, thanks for watching 👍

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

Thanks Patrick nice video and walk

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@letsmooch4857]

Great video Patrick! would love to do that trail myself.

[@solitaryrambler]

It's a great trail, isn't it? Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@lesleyborthwick3698]

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the sculptures, Cathedral is beautiful. What a great place. Thanks Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

You're welcome Lesley, glad you liked the sculptures. Thanks for watching 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Patrick, all very interesting but I cannot help but think sculpture is out of place in a forest. It's a marketing ploy for sure and it appears to domesticate the scene. It's funny there suspends a sign saying, 'silence' and yet it's all so very noisy. I liked woorgreens lake though. I measured it - almost 1 KM across - fairly sizeable. Well, here's to untouched nature although many do enjoy the art. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Hey Mark, thanks for watching. I know the sculptures in the forest aren't for everyone, but I just see them as they are without thinking too deeply about it. Woorgreens Lake is definitely a peaceful spot, I love walking around there. Keep well down there Mark and all the best 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solitaryrambler A pleasure as always Patrick. Hey, yeah you don't have to think deeply - leave that to me. Ha ha! I can see why you love that lake and area - I must go back to the forest. I will keep well - you too.

[@kathrynbrock1558]

This kind of modern art is not for me and really spoilt the walk and ruined the landscape . One to miss I thi k but pleased you shared it.

[@kellyshaw7271]

I think having sculptures dotted around adds an extra element to a walk, plus gives you an excuse to take a breather. Some unusual sculptures there but the steamed oak must have taken some doing to twist it without breaking. I agree, the stained glass window is the Numero Uno. I recall it from before and it's still epic. To see such a beautiful work of art situated in a wooden area with the light shining through for a clear view really is superb. It's lasted through gale force winds and winter storms too. Long may it remain. You can tell it was March with the bare trees. A really enjoyable walk and so nice to see the new sculptures. Cheers Patrick, fantastic 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

I'm so glad this Sculpture Trail is still going strong as I can remember when it was first opened in the 1980's. Yes amazing how the twist in that oak would have been created. Cathedral is lovely as everyone seems to agree I think. I'm pleased that it still hangs proud and has not been damaged. I think the glass is coated with some kind of plastic, presumably for more protection, but you can't really notice that when you're there. Glad you enjoyed it Kelly, thanks as always for watching and commenting 👍