A SPECIAL open day at millionaire Felix Dennis' private sculpture garden, the entrepreneur publisher who was the driving force behind the Alne Wood Park natural burial ground in Great Alne, is taking place at his Dorsington home next weekend.

Mr Dennis, who died throat cancer on June 22 2014, collected more than 50 bronze life-sized sculptures for 'The Garden of Heroes and Villains' during his lifetime.

The poet, publisher and a planter of trees began commissioning the sculptures in the mid-90s, his collection showing 'freeze-frame' moments in the life of the characters depicted include Muhammed Ali, Vincent van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Bruce Lee, Billie Holiday, William, Shakespeare and King Kong.

Visitors can explore the garden, see the statues up close and the yew hedge maze, meet the birds of prey from Hawkwise Falconry, enjoy the woodland walks, arboretum and poetry shard garden or relax on the courtyard where refreshments will be served.

The garden will be opened up to the public on Saturday, August 6 in aid of The Heart of England Forest.

Mr Dennis was a publishing legend, famed for his maverick and entrepreneurial style and celebrated as one of Britain’s best-loved poets- he wrote 10 books of poetry and enjoyed wide success on radio, in scores of English language newspapers and on countless internet sites.

The event will run from 10am to 5pm. There will be free parking and dogs on leads are welcome.

Adult admission is £7 and children go free. Tickets can be purchased at heartofenglandforest.com/events.