The aMazing HEDGE PUZZLE
MAZE CLOSED FOR REPLANTING - other attractions open daily.
The Jubilee Maze is our traditional hedge maze, with a romantic temple and over a kilometre of hedge built by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977.
Much loved by over a million visitors, the maze was severely flooded in 2020. We expected to lose a few trees in the hedge and then see a return to normal. Unfortunately, ill health has accelerated despite our best efforts at feeding, irrigation and small scale replanting.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana was originally selected for its resistance to immersion and disease, and its longevity in the wild could be expected to exceed 500 years. However, new threats have emerged which could bring about the extinction of these wonderful fragrant trees, including Phytophthora lateralis, a disease which clogs phloem. The fungus was first discovered in the country in 2010 and spread throughout Britain by 2016. Its spores are transported by footfall, air and water. Scientists from Tree Research are investigating whether Phytophthora is indeed to blame.
We will replant the maze in November with a species which is more resilient. The maze will reopen in a few years - but better.
Many thanks to everyone who has expressed their support and shared lovely memories of their visits with us. It’s been emotional and wonderful. Your continued support our Butterfly Zoo and Miniature Golf will be hugely appreciated.