Lucy returns to the popular ‘Narnia’ trail at Banstead Woods

Lucy waits by the lamppost

Inspired by ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, the trail was officially opened in June 2017 to mark the designation of Banstead Woods and Chipstead Downs as a local nature reserve.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Sustainability and Leisure, says: “Children can step through the wardrobe, complete with hanging coats, and meet the iconic characters from C S Lewis’s classic tale. Make sure you don’t miss the magnificent Aslan the Lion, the majestic White Witch and, of course, the new Lucy herself.

“Carved posts depicting native animals and flowers, help you discover the abundance of wildlife that calls Banstead Woods home. I’d also like to thank the amazing Woodchip volunteers from who help us manage this very special area."

Talented chainsaw sculptor, Ella Fielding, who carved the original figures, has returned to recreate Lucy Pevensie. Ella carves from standing deadwood to make use of existing natural resources and the new Lucy has been installed on the stump of an ash tree felled due to ash die back disease.

“I'm thrilled to share my new carving of Lucy and the lamppost, replacing the original that had decayed. It’s an honour to contribute again to the Narnia Trail in Banstead Woods, a place that not only evokes the magic of Narnia but also captures the enchantment of nature itself. For me, this project is deeply meaningful as it connects my love for the natural world with my creative process, allowing me to bring something imaginative and lasting to a place so many people hold dear.

“Creating Lucy with a chainsaw was a particularly rewarding challenge, especially capturing her youthful, full-cheeked face. The piece is crafted from oak and mounted on a tree stump removed for forest management. Just as the forest in Narnia is alive with wonder and transformation, I’m excited to see Lucy back in the woods, ready to inspire and delight visitors once more."

Banstead Woods’ ancient woodland, with its medieval oaks and historic hazel coppices, provides a magical background for this magical story, and the rare chalk downland is home to a variety of wild flowers, including several rare orchid species.

If you want to explore the Narnia Trail and discover the local flora and fauna, the trail begins at Holly Lane car park, Holly Lane, Banstead, Surrey CR5 3NR. It takes about half an hour to complete and is largely pushchair friendly, although there are some gravel paths and steep inclines.

The trail thought to be the first of its kind, was installed by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Greenspaces team and approved by the C S Lewis Company. It has been funded by the community infrastructure levy (contributions from developers for local projects to benefit the community). 

• Download the Narnia trail poster here
• Find out about countryside volunteering