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The Secret Forest
What is the Secret Forest? | What's lurking inside? | Image gallery
Over ten years ago the idea for the Secret Forest was born. I had been looking for something to replace the Bamboo Jungle - one of Kelburn's most popular attractions, which came to an end when the bamboos died. A hundred yards or so above Kelburn's Centre Buildings was a long-neglected wood, known as the Wild Wood, which had become largely impenetrable due to thick undergrowth and rhododendrons. It seemed possible that, if paths were cut through the bushes, we could create a larger and more adventurous version of the Bamboo Jungle.
In the process of hacking through the undergrowth and creating paths through the Wild Wood, other ideas began to suggest themselves. A particularly wet patch could become a swamp with wooden stepping-stones set in it to make a way across. And the swamp could be filled with crocodiles. A low-lying part of the Wood suggested a secret garden with a hidden entrance. Why not a Chinese Garden? In another part, the lie of the land would be suitable for building an underground passage. And that led to the idea of a Castle with No Entrance - one that could only be reached if you could find the way in.
But, if we were to have underground passages, why not an overhead walkway too? And, if we were to have an overhead walkwa, why not an enclosed passageway beneath it? And if we were going to build one substantial structure in one of the clearings, why not build something in the other clearings as well? Weird houses, dark grottos, high towers? One space was larger than the others and seemed an ideal spot to design a maze. Landowners throughout history have found mazes irresistible and it seemed I was no exception.
Thanks to the enthusiasm and financial help of Ayrshire Enterprise and the imaginative designs of the architect, Vernon Gibberd, many of the ideas for the Secret Forest have now been realised. Thanks also to the many artists who have contributed their ideas as well as their skills to the project, to Kelburn's expert joiner, Gavin Robertson, who is responsible for several of the structures and to the undaunted adaptibility of the builders, RDK Construction, some very unusual buildings and objects have been constructed on very awkward sites.
But the Secret Forest is never going to be finished. The Giant's Castle, which is the largest and most expensive building is still incomplete. Every year will new features and radical improvements to some of the old ones. Like the trees and shrubs already here, the man made structures too will grow and change. Year by year the Secret Forest will give birth to ever more surprises.
By the Earl of Glasgow