Fern Gulley Opens in the Jungle!
- 3rd Jul 2012
Fern Gulley invites you to get into the real heart of the Jungle, allowing never seen before views across the watercourses and up to the towering fronds of the prehistoric tree ferns. Bamboo-lined steps lead you off the boardwalk and down the steep sides of the Jungle Valley towards the pond below. Here, an attractive arc of granite stepping stones assist your journey across the stream. Take time to pause and appreciate the unique views that Fern Gulley has to offer before the steps greet you again and take you on your ascent out of the valley floor.
Created during the winter of 2011 and spring 2012 by Heligan’s on site Jungle Team, Fern Gulley has been a real labour of love for its creators. “For those of us who are privileged enough to know the jungle intimately, I can honestly say that it really just seemed to create itself, with a little help from us of course. Digging out the steps to allow access to the valley floor was without doubt the most physically demanding task but we hope everyone will agree, it was well worth the effort. ”
On Monday 4th June, Cindy and the Jungle Team were joined by local samba band Drumba Samba in officially opening the new path. Drumba’s lively and hypnotic beats led the way for the large gathering of Heligan visitors who had congregated to be the first to experience Fern Gulley.
“The tropical and upbeat music of Drumba Samba was the perfect accompaniment to the day’s proceedings; really enhancing the Jungle atmosphere” added Cindy.
Two weeks after the opening of Fern Gulley, Heligan inherited an impressive collection of ten large tree ferns from children’s charity World Vision. World Vision’s tree fern lined Chelsea Flower Show Garden was initially inspired by a Scott Adams quote:
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
Heligan was delighted to be able to give the towering tree ferns a new home and they were permanently planted into the lush, steep sides of Fern Gulley, complete with a World Vision time capsule for future generations to discover.
