Infinity Forest project in Danbury now open to public

The Infinity Forest, created by artistic group INSTAR and helped by Essex County Council’s culture, heritage, tourism and green spaces service, is open at Danbury Country Park.

The artwork is a three-metre-tall kaleidoscope which surrounds a Scots pine tree sapling, creating an amazing mirror illusion.

The sapling was planted last month to help it establish itself ahead of the full installation.

Visitors to the park are being encouraged to view the ‘one in a million’ sapling by using the observation holes.

Inside the Infinity Forest in Danbury

The artwork also celebrates the Essex Forest Initiative, which is the council’s commitment to plant 375,000 trees by 2025.

Council spokesman Sam Kennedy said: “This artwork, which was awarded the Explore Essex Arts Commission, epitomises the values and role of the Essex Forest Initiative.

“Not only will it provide a lasting legacy for visitors, but it also highlights the importance of creating and maintaining green infrastructure.”

INSTAR is a team-up between artists Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys.

They said: “We are extremely pleased with the Infinity Forest and we hope that it inspires visitors to want to discover more about the Essex Forest Initiative as well as the wider environment.

“Trees are vital for biodiversity, preventing flooding and providing a habitat for wildlife, which is why we hope the Infinity Forest encourages people to gain a greater understanding of their value and the environment in general.”

Digital packs featuring a range of tree-inspired artistic activities are available for schools, community groups and visitors to download for free from the Explore Essex website.

As part of the activity packs, Explore Essex is asking people to share their art to be in with a chance of winning a summer hamper worth £100.

For details, visit explore-essex.com/culture/infinity-forest.