Discover the Magic of the Noon Columns – A Sculptural Trail Through Time and Landscape

Set out on a unique adventure through the heart of The National Forest and uncover the mystery of the Noon Columns – six striking wooden sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artist David Nash as part of the LANDshapes project. These captivating pillars first appeared in 2006 and have been intriguing walkers and art lovers ever since.

Each 3–4 metre high column, crafted from sustainable English oak, reflects the unique character of its surrounding landscape – from ancient woodland at Jackson’s Bank to the floodplains at Croxall Lakes, and the church-spire-inspired column at Grangewood to Bignall Wood’s sandstone base, evoking rich agricultural heritage. At Sence Valley, a charred oak column pays tribute to the area’s mining past, while Charnwood’s rugged column sits proudly beside a dry-stone wall, celebrating the region’s quarrying history.

Here’s the real magic: each Noon Column is precisely carved with a vertical slot so that at true noon, a beam of sunlight shines right through – creating a moment of wonder as it casts a line of light in its shadow. The spectacle changes with the seasons, at its longest on midsummer’s day and shortest in midwinter… that is, if the sun’s out!

These scenic circular walks range from easy to moderate, are around 5 miles long, and all are within easy reach of Burton upon Trent in East Staffordshire – making them a perfect day out for families, walkers, and curious explorers.

Why not make a trail of it and visit all six? Each walk offers a new landscape, a new story, and a new piece of art to discover.

Opening times:

Please see The National Forest website for more details

Facilities:

Picnic benches.

Nestled in the heart of Needwood Forest at Jackson’s Bank, the East Staffordshire Noon Column is the most natural in design of the six sculptures. Crafted to reflect the character of ancient woodland, it blends seamlessly with its forest surroundings, offering a quiet, contemplative space that celebrates the area’s rich natural heritage.

Explore more of this part of The National Forest here

Other Noon Columns: Sculpture Locations

The Nash sculptures can be found within six National Forest walks in the East Staffordshire area:

• Jackson’s Bank, Hoar Cross, East Staffordshire
• Croxall Lakes, Alrewas, Staffordshire
• Grangewood & Sisters Woodland walk, Neatherseal, Derbyshire
• Bignall Woods, part of the Alistair’s, Bignall’s & Jaguar Lount Woods walks, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
• The Sence Valley Park, Ibstock, Leicestershire
• Charnwood Forest walk, Billa Barra Hill Nature Reserve, Markfields, Leicestershire

The Trent Valley Noon Column stands within the serene surroundings of Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve in Alrewas. Designed to resemble a flood marker, the sculpture reflects the natural rhythms and watery landscape of the Trent Valley, blending art and environment in a powerful tribute to the area’s wetland heritage.

Explore more of this part of The National Forest here

Located in Sence Valley Forest Park, the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Noon Column pays tribute to the area’s rich industrial heritage. Its striking charred façade and base of crushed coal and brick reflect the region’s mining past, blending art, history, and landscape in a unique and meaningful way.

Explore more of this part of The National Forest here

The Charnwood Noon Column, located at the summit of Billa Barra Hill Nature Reserve, is a sculptural tribute to the region’s quarrying past. Crafted from English oak by renowned artist David Nash as part of the National Forest LANDshapes project, it features an elegant organic form beside a volunteer-built dry-stone wall—echoing Charnwood’s rugged upland landscape. At “true noon,” sunlight streams through its vertical slot, casting a shaft of light that symbolizes the area’s connection to time, place, and artistry.

Explore of this part of The National Forest here

Set within the peaceful surroundings of Lount Wood, the Melbourne Parklands Noon Column symbolises the passage of time. This striking sculpture celebrates the forest’s past, present, and future, inviting visitors to reflect on the evolving relationship between people and the natural landscape.

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Located at Grangewood, the Mease and Sence Noon Column features a spire-like form that captures the essence of the surrounding landscape. Inspired by the sweeping views of church spires dotted across the gentle, rolling farmland, the sculpture reflects the character and quiet beauty of this part of the National Forest.

Explore of this part of The National Forest here

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