Carving a New Legacy: Stunning Wood Sculptures Transform Tree into a Natural Play Feature at Abbey Grounds

In early 2024, the Town Council was required to fell a diseased Beech Tree in Abbey Grounds. To honour the tree’s legacy and connect young people with their local heritage, the Council decided to transform the felled tree into a distinctive natural play feature featuring three animals of local significance: The Hare, the Phoenix, and the Cotswold Lion Sheep. This project was selected for funding by a youth panel from Cotswold National Landscapes' 'Caring for the Cotswolds' Grant, and the intricate carvings were brought to life by wood artist Andy O'Neil.

The three animals were chosen to celebrate and highlight their historical importance to the town. The Phoenix, a symbol of Cirencester, features on the Town Council's crest and is celebrated annually at the Phoenix Arts and Music Festival in Abbey Grounds. The Cotswold Lion Sheep reflects Cirencester's rich wool trade history, still evident in many street names, businesses, and shopping areas. The Hare holds special significance due to the Roman Hare Mosaic discovered in the town, which inspired the Hare Festival Way Nature Trail launched in 2016, featuring giant Hare sculptures designed by local artists.

An exhibition at the Town Council's Local Information Centre has accompanied the project, educating visitors and residents about the historical relevance of these animals.

To further engage the community, the Town Council is launching a competition to name the three new animal carvings. Open to all residents, the competition launches on September 6th 2024. Residents can enter the competition by submitting ideas in person to the Local Information Centre in Bingham House, 1 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL7 2PP. The chosen names will be announced on the 18th September and will be included on an interpretation board to be installed by the tree.

Natalie Reynolds, Land and Property Projects Manager, said, 'We are thrilled to have received the Caring for the Cotswold Grant for this project. Andy’s stunning carvings have significantly enriched the park and created a wonderful new play feature for local children.'"