The National Trust's German Forest Audio Trail launched
Friday, 01 June 2007 00:00
Was Benjamin Disraeli the first conservationist Prime Minister? This Audio Trail reveals his passion for the woods on his country retreat, and the almost subconscious envy of those who worked in them.
"When I arrive from London for the summer recess I spend the first week examining my trees, and the second examining my books." Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli and his wife Mary-Anne spent 14 years together at Hughenden Manor, and during their time there they created a 'German Forest', that was inspired by a visit to the Black Forest of Germany. This guide provides a rare glimpse of Disraeli's private life away from Westminster and uncovers why the evergreen forest was created, and why they loved it so much.
You will also be given an insight into the life of the 'chairmen' of High Wycombe and what the National Trust is doing today to restore this unique historical feature of the Chilterns countryside.
Comments about the German Forest Audio Trail:
I visited Hughenden on Sunday and walked through the German Forest with the audio tour on my ipod. I got a great sense of how the forest had been created, what it meant to Mary-Anne and Benjamin Disraeli and how the National Trust are caring for it today.
I am one of the trustees with a special interest in engagement and I wanted to you to know that I liked what you have done. Downloads like this are a fantastic addition to the tools we can use to interpret properties. Please pass on my congratulations to everyone involved, and keep up the good work!
