Find The Columns

A step away from the car park at Jackson’s Bank in Needwood, on Brackenhurst Road, off the A515 near Newchurch, this Column (top right) is a trunk of burr oak, the essence of a mature tree that will weather and provide shelter and food for insects and birds. SK 138233

The Trent Valley Noon Column (main picture) is reminiscent of a flood marker and is a dramatic addition to the landscape when viewed across Croxall Lake. From the car park it is about a ten minute walk to reach it along the path beside the lake. It makes a startling impact if glimpsed from the Burton to Tamworth railway line. SK 189146

The dramatic Column at Sence Valley (front page & above centre) is charred coal-black and set amidst a circle of local Ibstock brick and crushed coal – a visible reminder of the very influential local industries. You will find it on the right as you enter the car park from the A447. SK 404113

Visible through young Bignall’s Wood from the car park at Staunton Harold, the Melbourne Parklands Noon Column stands amidst elegant sandstone paving and is reminiscent of the classical architecture of the area’s historic houses. As the surrounding plantation grows to maturity, this Column will look more and more like a romantic relic from some bygone grand house. To walk to the Column, follow the path across the road from the car park, through the deer gate and round the edge of the field. SK 377207

The Column at Billa Barra is an organic form, sited alongside a granite drystone wall. The wall was made by an enthusiastic group of hardy local volunteers in the midst of a snowy March, and provides a setting characteristic of the rocky outcrops of the Charnwood landscape. The Column is visible from the car park; to get a closer look, take the path from the car park, rising up the hill to the left. SK 468113

At Grangewood in Derbyshire, the Noon Column mirrors the church steeples that reach out above the local village houses and pubs. The beautifully shaped form stands on a raised mound seeded with wildflowers. From the car park at Grangewood, enter the woodland through the opening in the fence on the right, just in from the car park entrance and walk up the ride several hundred yards. The Column is in a glade off to the right. Rhiannon Harte, who co-ordinated the LANDshapes project, said: “I probably shouldn’t admit to having a favourite, but this is mine. I just love the serene atmosphere, the touch and smell of the Column itself; I find myself imagining how all the Columns will change and evolve over the coming years!” SK 266144

The Noon Columns commission was made possible by additional funding from Arts Council England and private sponsor Viv Astling.