Felled tree becomes a work of art

24 May 2018
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An award-winning chainsaw artist has transformed the remains of a large tree into a wildlife-themed artwork on our popular Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route in Stanley, Co. Durham.

We commissioned the carvings of a hare, hedgehog and owls by Consett-based chainsaw artist Tommy Craggs after a rotting willow tree was felled along the popular path.

Danny Morris, our Greener Greenways Senior Project Officer for the North of England said: “We were sad to hear that this tree had to be removed and we thought that we should leave something special in its place which shows the wildlife which can be seen in the area. Having seen Tommy’s work elsewhere around the North East we thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring him in to create something spectacular which will benefit route-users and the local community”.

We manage the Consett to Sunderland section of the C2C, a 140 mile challenge route which attracts over 15,000 people each year and is part of the National Cycle Network. The Sustrans team identified the large willow as being unsafe during a tree inspection and tree surgeons were brought in to prevent it from causing any accidents in the future.

Gina Clarke, our North East Land Manager said: “We really don’t like to take down mature trees along our routes but unfortunately this one was rotting at the base and left to its own devices it could have caused an accident in years to come as the large branches were overhanging the track as well as a residential property”.

We would like to get users of the route involved in naming the carving. To suggest a name you’ll need to visit the artwork and scan a QR code which will allow you to email your suggestion – you’ll also need to send a picture of yourself next to one of the four animals you’d like to name. The winner will have their suggested name and their own name inscribed on plaques which will be displayed beneath each creature.

With the help of volunteers we will also look to improve the area for people and wildlife by installing benches and sowing wildflower seeds by the new artwork.

The Consett to Sunderland section of the C2C is part of a network across England and Wales of over 400km of traffic-free paths managed for wildlife in the Greener Greenways project, funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

You can visit Tommy Craggs’ chainsaw carvings on the C2C path at Charnwood, Barnhill, Stanley, County Durham.

If you would like to get involved in the Greener Greenways project email volunteers-north@sustrans.org.uk

from News https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/felled-tree-becomes-work-art
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