Never forget Elephants arrive at castle at start of global tour
THE owners and staff of attractions and family days out across the county are preparing for a big reopening on April 12.
But one historic landmark in Gloucestershire will be having a larger than life reopening, with some exciting new additions to its surroundings.
Visitors to Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe, will be in for a surprise in April and May as they will be some of the first in the UK to see a mighty migration of elephants stampeding into the grounds.
The castle has teamed up with international conservation charity ‘The Elephant Family,’ which protects Asian elephants and their habitat.
From April 12 to May 31, 30 lifesize elephant sculptures will form a trail that weaves through the stunning Cotswold gardens, offering a Covidsecure adventure for all against the backdrop of Sudeley Castle.
The sculptures, nestling among native British wildlife, will eventually form a 100-strong herd in London’s royal parks this summer, which will be transformed into the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India, before migrating to the USA and beyond on their global mission.
There is a sentimental connection between the sculptures and Sudeley
Castle, as the late Lord Ashcombe, whose widow, Lady Ashcombe, still resides at the castle, was the uncle of Mark Shand, who established The Elephant Family.
Lady Ashcombe said: “I am exceptionally honoured to host this very special herd of elephants at Sudeley Castle and open our gardens for the first time in 2021, whilst sharing with our visitors the story of India’s wild elephants.
“Our large herd are life-sized and modelled on wild Indian elephants, created deep in the jungle of Tamil Nadu, by the Adivasi tribal communities who live in close proximity to their real-life counterparts.
“My late husband Lord Ashcombe, whose nephew Mark Shand along with conservationist friends, championed the plight of the Indian elephants and so, giving a temporary home to the herd as they start their global tour, is a fitting memory to both men who loved wildlife and nature.
“The herd arrives during the annual
I am exceptionally honoured to host the this very special herd of elephants at Sudeley Castle
Lady Ashcombe
Easter holidays and we look forward to welcoming visitors to wander through our gardens and meet the wild elephants.”
In line with government guidance, only Sudeley Castle’s gardens will be open, as the castle itself is not yet able to open due to government restrictions.
All tickets for the trail are on sale now, and must be pre-booked online via sudeleycastle.co.uk