Most of the sculptures on the trail were installed between 1999 and 2008. SVCP’s first mission was to secure these sculptures for the future. Much of this work is being done by volunteers with KSCP and Forestry Commission staff. In time we will add new work to this trail.

Sadly, the much loved Super Kingdom, installed in 2008 was de-commissioned early 2018. It was no longer safe and costs to restore all 3 pieces were prohibitive.

Occasionally new artworks are temporarily installed in King’s Wood. University for the Creative Arts and University of Kent Fine Art students exhibited work in 2016 and 2017, one still remains hidden in the wood.

Maintaining the Trail

Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership volunteers have worked hard in all sorts of weather to maintain some of the sculptures…

Lukasz Skapski’s – Via Lucium Continens:  New yew trees have been planted and maintenance carried out on the existing trees (weeding and mulching). In 2016 one side of the avenue was coppiced presenting many challenges – the yews became exposed to the elements, which has had quite a negative impact.  Since then KSCP volunteers and Forestry Commission staff have been re-staking some trees which almost got blown over and we have coppiced a narrow section on the other side to visually balance the piece! More yew trees will be planted to replace any losses.

Richard Harris’s – Living Arch: Annual re-weaving, tying and pruning of new growth branches to maintain a dense weave.

Rosie Leventon’s – B52: This piece was also challenged in 2016 when the area around it was coppiced. To maintain the visibility of the B52 shape, a low dead hedge was formed around the edge of the clearing.  The sweet chestnut is re-growing fast so it will return to its original form in time.