On Monday 15 April, Prior Park Landscape Garden will launch a brand-new Silent Space trail. This trail will be the first of its kind in the UK with the charity Silent Space who started as a not-for-profit in 2016.
Prior Park is a National Trust garden nestled into a steep wooded valley with far-reaching views across the city of Bath, and has long been a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the city. Now it will offer more opportunities for people to switch off from the outside world, take time to connect with nature, and just be. Over the last few years, the National Trust garden underwent major refurbishment on its dams and the original Silent Space area was closed. Since the garden fully re-opened over a year ago, the garden team have worked hard to create this new Silent Space trail.
Visitors will be able to collect an information sheet on arrival which explains more about the trail. They can then choose to use the words for inspiration and find their own spots to connect with nature, breathe, and just sit and listen. Visitors can use the map to search out one or more of the eight places marked for the best views to see, benches to sit quietly, or spots to immerse themselves in the smells and sounds of nature. A fern leaf symbol, created by a volunteer from Prior Park, marks the spots that can be found on the map.
Rachel Beaumont, Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Prior Park, said "It’s been a pleasure working with Silent Space to create this trail – a first in the UK for us both. We know the health benefits of being outdoors and having time to switch off, so we’re delighted that we’re able to offer a trail with multiple places for people to close off the noise around them and just breathe and embrace the green whilst at the garden."
Liz Ware, founder of Silent Space, said "We're delighted that Prior Park Landscape Garden is launching its Silent Space Trail. We have many silent spaces in gardens around the UK but so far, we only have one other trail - on South Island, New Zealand. We hope that visitors, staff, and volunteers will benefit from taking quiet time for themselves in such a tranquil setting."
Launching the trail in April will also give people the opportunity to maximise engagement with their senses. Wild garlic season is in full swing at Prior Park at this time of year, so visitors can wander around the garden taking in the sweet scent of garlic that lines the paths, covers the banks and nestles under many benches. Wild garlic foraging along with recipe cards are also available from 8 – 26 April.
For those looking for the quietest times to experience the new trail it’s recommended that you visit during school term times and between Monday to Friday. Prior Park is open every day from 10am until 5pm (last admission at 4pm). Admission charges apply, no additional charge for the Silent Space trail. Booking not needed.
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