A POPULAR Hampshire attraction has launched a £500,000 appeal by installing a giant fairy door - thought to be the largest in the world.
The 8ft door at Furzey Gardens, which is celebrating its centenary, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by some of the people involved in its construction.
The gardens are run by the Minstead Trust, a charity that helps people with learning disabilities learn new skills.
A spokesperson said: "The fairy door is believed to be the world’s largest and houses a smaller door that allows visitors of all ages to enter a bamboo maze."
Ceramic fairies adorning the door were made by people taking part in guided pottery sessions.
The new structure joins more than 40 tiny fairy doors that are hidden around the garden. They were made by master thatcher Simon Sinkinson, who died last year just days after being diagnosed with a serious illness.
The unveiling of the giant new door marks the start of the Special Years Appeal, which aims to ensure the gardens have a successful future.
READ MORE: Furzey Gardens, Minstead, embarks on centenary celebrations
Iesha, one of the people supported by the Trust, said: "I loved making the fairy door. It was a lot of fun and I think it looks really good here."
Matt Stroud, head of marketing at the Trust, added: "The woodwork instructors and people we support have done a remarkable job.
"We hope visitors of all ages will enjoy entering our bamboo maze and marvelling at the ceramics and artwork that adorn the door."
The woodland gardens occupy a ten-acre site on the edge of Minstead.
Supporters include broadcasting legend Esther Rantzen, who lives in a nearby village and has described the attraction as "one of Hampshire's jewels".
The gardens were opened to the public in 1930 but became difficult to maintain and almost closed in the 1970s. However the site was bought by solicitor Tim Selwood and continues to welcome visitors.
Mr Stroud said: "The centenary year aims to tell the pioneering story of the gardens.
"It will also recognise what a special place they are for the physical and mental health of visitors, volunteers and people with learning disabilities."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel