New tower helps oversee problem

The tower offers far-reaching views of the Wiltshire estate

A 10-metre tall wooden tower has been unveiled in the middle of the maze at the Longleat Estate.

The 25-tonne construction was made from 60-year-old Douglas fir from the estate's 1,600-hectare forest.

Owner Lord Bath said: "The tower is a beautiful addition to the maze and will provide a fabulous new reason to solve the puzzle and get to the centre."

Planted in 1975 and opened in 1978, the maze includes 16,000 English yew plants, and 2.72km (1.7miles) of paths.

"As well as far-reaching views across the estate it also enables one to look down smugly on the other poor souls who have become hopelessly lost in the maze's labyrinthine passages," added Lord Bath.

The tower was designed by architect Bruce Yoell from Shepton Mallet, Somerset and was built by Carpenter Oak and Woodland Co. Ltd from Colerne near Chippenham.