Visitors will be used to the peace and tranquillity awaiting them at the ten acres of beautiful gardens that is Compton Acres.

However, those strolling through the site, overlooking Poole Harbour, can now also enjoy world class sculptures and dramatic art nestling amongst the brightly-coloured azaleas and rhododendrons.

Compton Acres has just introduced a number of innovative new sculptures which reflect and enhance the natural beauty of the gardens and encourage an appreciation of three dimensional art.

Curator of the new Sculpture Trail, Gerry Clarke, said: “Our aim is to provide an imaginative, artistic and visually appealing experience for visitors of all ages. We hope the new trail will stimulate the mind and take our visitors on an inspirational journey, improving health and wellbeing and reducing the stress of modern living.”

The new trail leads visitors past a series of sculptures and art forms made from a variety of local materials, including timber from the New Forest, pottery clay from Poole Harbour and Purbeck stone from the Jurassic Coast.

In addition there are exhibits made from bronze, steel and various man-made materials, including glass, fibreglass and resin. Artistic themes cover wildlife and the natural world with a number of creative designs based on flowers and foliage.

One of the most attractive pieces is a two-metre bronze Lyrebird by renowned wildlife sculptor Simon Gudgeon, who recently visited Compton Acres to supervise the installation of his latest piece.

He said: “A sculpture, on a superficial level, must encapsulate beauty; it must uplift the spirit and enhance its surroundings. It is the combination of art and landscape that inspires us and the placement of the Lyrebird at Compton Acres, amongst its beautiful gardens and tranquil running streams, is a perfect marriage of sculpture and environment.”

  • For more details on the trail and gardens visit comptonacres.co.uk