The longest hedge maze in the UK has opened near Bristol.
The Great British Wildlife Maze – which stretches over 2.1 miles – has been relaunched at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall, North Somerset.
The hedge maze is the longest and wildest of its kind in the UK.
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It was originally constructed from more than 15,000 British Beech trees that were handplanted by the zoo team in 2003, growing from small 2ft high saplings to mature hedges over 5ft high.
The maze has now been re-opened, with a unique bird’s nest tower at its centre to celebrate British wildlife.
Noah’s Ark managing director Larry Bush said: “We wanted to celebrate our amazing British wildlife for all to enjoy. The amazing nest tower with slide at the centre of the hedge maze, along with new British wildlife themed questions, provide a really fun and engaging space for families to enjoy as part of a day out at the zoo this summer.
“Our hedge maze aims to educate and inspire its explorers about the wonders of the biodiversity here in the UK and helps to raise awareness of British wildlife habitats.”
And it’s not just visitors which enjoy the maze – local wildlife do too with many birds nesting in the hedgerows each spring.
Mr Bush added: “We have an incredible variety of native species here in North Somerset and our zoo farm is home to everything from butterflies, bats and buzzards to hedgehogs, foxes and deer.
“Many birds make their nests in the hedgerows of the maze itself each spring so it is a key wildlife habitat in its own right.
“Visitors will notice British wildlife is a big theme throughout Noah’s Ark alongside our big zoo animals and exotic wildlife conservation.”
A bird’s eye view of the new hedge maze at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall
(Image: Peter Worthington)
Two new timber structures have been added to the hedge maze as part of the relaunch.
With an interactive trail and new revamped wildlife questions, maze explorers can navigate the maze, climb the brand-new nest tower, with scenic views over the zoo and finish with a slide back down.
Looking after the maze is a big job – with the cuttings being used to feed animals at the zoo farm.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm site manager Jon Jutsum said: “Maintenance of a maze this size is enormous as you can imagine.
“Every year the hedge maze is trimmed and provides a huge 47 barrels of browse for feeding our giraffes, elephants and camels here at the zoo.”
The zoo farm has designated areas for British wildlife amongst the 110 acres of North Somerset countryside, including wildflower meadows, over 100 bird nesting boxes and conservation areas.
Bosses at the zoo farm say the maze also has a key wellbeing benefit, encouraging visitors to be outside in nature and be away from technology which can be a wonderful boost to mental health and wellbeing.
More information about Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm can be found on its website.
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