As part of the Kingfisher Trail 2021, we will be sponsoring and hosting our very own Kingfisher here at the Iford Manor cafe this summer for everyone to see up close! (nb - garden entry not required to view the Kingfisher)
The Kingfisher Trail is a sculpture trail taking place across the Cotswolds region this summer. Launching in on 31st May and running to 17th October. It will provide a unique way for people to connect with nature and the great outdoors in 2021. It’s for everyone, so residents and visitors are all invited to join in with this accessible, fun and free activity.
The Kingfisher Trail will have 22 dazzling sculptures – all supported and creatively designed by celebrated national and local artists, led by internationally renowned painter, PJ Crook MBE. We are proud to host the very special 22nd ‘Golden Kingfisher’ being designed by Guy Warner.
A ‘Flying Kingfisher’ sculpture can also be seen in Bradford on Avon in June and August.
Many of the exciting artists involved in the trail are based in and around the Cotswolds, and you can find out more about them all on the official trail website here: https://www.kingfishertrail.org/artists
Organised by the team at conservation organisation Cotswolds National Landscape, the Kingfisher Trail will encourage people to discover the giant kingfisher sculptures across two distinct routes inspired by the rivers Severn and Thames. The kingfisher has been chosen based on its reputation as a resilient and adaptable bird – characteristics shared with the communities and businesses the trail seeks to support as we all begin to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
An App will be launched to coincide with the start of the Trail that will allow you to ‘tick off’ the kingfishers over the course of the summer. So start planning your kingfisher spotting now, and while you are here, stop for lunch and our new cafe, restaurant, Grade 1 listed garden (over 10s only) and over 3 miles of footpaths across the estate, which we manage under a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and is at the southern-most tip of the Cotswolds AONB.