Six sculptures. Six unforgettable walks. One extraordinary adventure.
In 2006, six mysterious oak sculptures appeared across the National Forest as part of LANDshapes, a landmark public art project celebrating the Forest’s landscapes, heritage and ongoing transformation. Created by internationally renowned sculptor David Nash, each Noon Column was carved from sustainable English oak and carefully designed to reflect the unique character of its location, from ancient woodland and river floodplains to former mining landscapes and rolling farmland.
Standing between three and four metres tall, the sculptures are far more than striking works of art. Each features a precisely carved vertical slot that aligns with the sun, allowing a beam of light to shine through at true solar noon every day. The changing seasons alter the length of the beam and shadow, creating a fascinating connection between art, nature and the passage of time. Together, the six Noon Columns invite visitors to slow down, explore the landscape and discover the stories that have shaped the National Forest.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic woodland stroll, panoramic views or the chance to uncover a hidden artwork, every Noon Column offers a different experience, and every walk reveals another piece of the National Forest’s remarkable story.
Jackson’s Bank
Jackson’s Bank, Hoar Cross Staffordshire
Hidden within the ancient woodland of Jackson’s Bank, this walk takes you through one of the National Forest’s most atmospheric landscapes. Towering trees, peaceful woodland paths and seasonal displays of wildflowers create the perfect setting for discovering one of David Nash’s remarkable Noon Columns. Inspired by the area’s rich woodland heritage, the sculpture invites visitors to pause, look skywards and experience the changing relationship between sunlight, shadow and the landscape.
Step into the heart of the forest and discover the Jackson’s Bank Noon Column walk.
Croxall Lakes
Croxall Lake Nature Reserve, Alrewas, Staffordshire
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the stunning wetlands and floodplain landscapes of Croxall Lakes, where wildlife thrives alongside the River Trent. This Noon Column reflects the ever-changing nature of the surrounding landscape, shaped by water, wildlife and the seasons. Bring your binoculars as you explore the network of paths before finding the sculpture, perfectly placed to encourage a moment of quiet reflection.
Grangewood
Grangewood, Linton, Derbyshire
The Grangewood walk showcases one of the National Forest’s beautiful young woodlands, created as part of the area’s ongoing transformation. As the woodland continues to mature, David Nash’s Noon Column stands as a lasting reminder of the Forest’s growth and regeneration. Follow peaceful paths through this evolving landscape and enjoy a walk where art, nature and the future of the National Forest come together.
See how the National Forest continues to grow, explore the Grangewood Noon Colum
Lount Wood (Bignall Woods)
Lount Wood, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
Venture into the tranquil surroundings of Lount Wood and Bignall Woods, where winding woodland paths lead to another of the National Forest’s iconic Noon Columns. This peaceful walk is rich in birdsong, woodland wildlife and changing seasonal colours, offering a wonderful opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature. The sculpture provides a striking focal point, celebrating the timeless relationship between the forest and the movement of the sun.
Escape into peaceful woodland and discover the Lount Wood Noon Column walk.
Sence Valley Forest Park
Scene Valley Forest Park, Ibstock, Leicestershire
Few places tell the National Forest’s story of transformation better than Sence Valley. Once an open-cast coal mine, it has been transformed into a thriving landscape of lakes, woodland and wildflower meadows. David Nash’s charred oak Noon Column acknowledges the site’s industrial past while celebrating its new future. The walk offers spectacular views, abundant wildlife and a fascinating insight into how nature has reclaimed the landscape.
Billa Barra
Billa Barra, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire
Perched high on one of the National Forest’s highest points, the Billa Barra walk rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views across Leicestershire and beyond. The Noon Column’s elevated position makes it the perfect place to experience the passage of the sun and appreciate the sculpture’s unique relationship with light and time. As you explore this historic landscape, you’ll uncover breathtaking scenery alongside one of the Forest’s most striking works of public art.
Take in the views and uncover the story of the Billa Barra Noon Column walk.
Can You Visit All Six?
Each Noon Column tells a different story, reflecting the unique character of its landscape while celebrating the National Forest’s remarkable transformation. From ancient woodlands and peaceful wetlands to reclaimed mining landscapes and panoramic hilltops, every walk offers something new to discover.
With six unique locations to explore, why not turn your Noon Column adventure into a short break? Spend a weekend discovering the trails at your own pace, enjoy great local food and relax in one of the many welcoming places to stay across the National Forest and East Staffordshire. Whether you choose a cosy countryside cottage, a family-friendly holiday park or a boutique hotel, there’s the perfect base for your adventure.
Download Our Free Trail App Today!
Don’t forget to take your guide with you! Download the Discover East Staffordshire Trails App, available on iPhone and Android, to help you find all six Noon Columns, navigate the walking routes and uncover even more hidden gems, trails, artworks and fascinating places to explore across East Staffordshire.