Creating Galactic Furzey
Galactic Furzey didn’t appear overnight! It’s the result of imagination and collaboration from people with learning disabilities who have brought skills and joy to the creation of the trail.
From first sketch to final landing, Galactic Furzey has been shaped by the people we support — giving them opportunities to build skills, grow in confidence and take pride in something truly out of this world.
Our Woodwork Workshop at New Forest Day Opportunities is at the centre of all this creativity. This is where instructor Richard supports and empowers people like Royce and Callum (Pictured), to refine their skills, and create something incredible.
Read on to discover how inclusion is just the beginning — and how people with learning disabilities are supported to shape and bring projects like this to life.
Where it all began: Starting with imagination
Galactic Furzey began at our New Forest day service, where people with learning disabilities who attend our art sessions were invited to imagine otherworldly creatures.
From bold colours to unusual shapes, these early ideas became the foundation of the trail. They helped to shape the worlds, characters and overall feel of the experience.
New to our sessions, Ewan was in his element, experimenting with new mediums such as black ink and paintbrushes. You can see some of his artwork below. Gemma and Richard also created some imaginative, fun and wacky designs!
These drawings were carefully developed into digital artwork, with spiky designs creating Ignis and Glacien creatures, and more wavy designs bringing Luminara, Aqualis and Sylvara to life.
Can you recognise some of the shapes from around the gardens?
The fun begins! Crafted by our woodwork team
Once the designs were finalised, they were brought into the New Forest Day Opportunities Woodwork workshop.
Here, over 40 creatures and portals had to be carefully cut, sanded and prepared – by hand! The people we support ensured that edges were smooth, paint was even and they were ready for the artists. Every piece you see in the gardens has passed through the workshop.
It took the team roughly four months from start to finish – the type of work that often goes unseen in these trails, but is essential!
The team also created additional elements to guide visitors from portal to portal, coming up with funny signs to entertain all ages…
Building the Rocket Ship...
We knew that the top lawn needed a showstopper… Somewhere for the rocket to land, and for the trail to begin and end.
We also knew we couldn’t do it alone. So we went out to local artists, inviting some incredibly talented designers with amazing experience. It was a tough choice, but we knew we made the right one when Julie came bursting onto the scene!
In collaboration with everyone in the team, designs were created, areas were taped out, and the rocket started coming to life!
Involving the local community
We sent the designs out into the community — inviting local artists, schools, parents and the people we support to let their imaginations run wild.
From bold colours to brilliant ideas, each design came back full of character and creativity. Artists from all walks of life got involved, each portal slowly filling with life as we receieved more designs.
Once the final submissions were chosen, artists collected their creatures, and went away to create magic…
