David Attenborough corn design unveiled for York Maze

The design has been carved into the maze at the attraction, near Elvington.

York Maze unveils its 2026 maze, honouring David Attenborough on his 100th birthday year (Image: Charley Atkins/SWNS)

Staff who created the corn design said it was made to celebrate Sir David’s 100th birthday, which was on May 8, this year.

Alongside Sir David’s face, an elephant, tiger, and a gorilla were also etched into the 15-acre cornfield.

York Maze unveils its 2026 maze, honouring David Attenborough on his 100th birthday year (Image: Charley Atkins/SWNS)

York Maze covers an area the size of eight Wembley football pitches and is believed to be the biggest maze in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Creator and farmer Tom Pearcy has cut out more than 5km of pathways in his field of over a million plants.

Sir David Attenborough (Image: Charley Atkins/SWNS)

Tom said: “I grew up watching David Attenborough, he is an icon of British broadcasting and I’m honoured to make my contribution to his 100th birthday celebrations.

“Over a million maize seeds have been planted in the 15-acre field.”

He added: “The maze itself covers about the same area as 8 football pitches – so something like 10 acres of corn. 
”And then at the other end we’ve got two acres of wildflowers now.

“We’re trying to lead into the Instagram generation.
“We planted the maze in April/May and it will last until September.

“We have 130 members of staff working on the attraction, which will open to the public this Saturday.

“In addition to the maze, we have more than 20 ride shows and attractions, with food and drink and a big team of actors on site – so it’s a perfect summer’s day out for the family.”

Tom said he had invited David Attenborough to visit the maze.

He said: “His daughter replied personally and said it was very kind to be invited, but he is naturally very busy, and he is 100 so it’s quite the journey.

“We are hoping he gets to see this.”

The Sir David theme follows York Maze’s Toy Story theme last year which celebrated 30 years of the much-loved animation film.