Trees of Beacon Fell brought back to life for new sculpture trail

If you go take a walk among the trees of Beacon Fell today you could be in for a surprise.....and maybe some noise.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2017, 14:24 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:55 BST

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Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon FellPhoto Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell
Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell

Specialist wood sculptor James Shelliker is partway through an inspired new project, crafting well known creatures and legends of the fell thanks to the funds of local volunteers.

James, from Kirkham, is working on a series of five attractions for visitors to enjoy. He started with the recently completed woodpecker and is now working on a dragonfly, giant hare, a hen harrier and a wood spirit.

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The chainsaw sculptor of Acorn Woodcrafts, said: “I used to come to Beacon Fell with my granny about 30 years ago and loved the place so to come back and do some work on the Fell is fantastic.

Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon FellPhoto Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell
Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell

“The Friends group have raised some money and put it towards some carvings.”

The Friends of Beacon Fell group, a charity run by volunteers to improve facilities and wildlife in the country park, have raised the money for the wood carvings.

The group dedicate their time to raising vital funds and work together on conservation projects.

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Countryside Nick Haigh said there had already been a ‘great response’ from visitors to the new woodpecker feature.

Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon FellPhoto Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell
Photo Neil Cross Wood sculptor James Shelliker is working on a new series of sculptures at the Fell funded by the Friends of Beacon Fell

He saids: “James really has done a fantastic job so far and the sculptures I’m sure will be something for everyone to enjoy and it’s with massive thanks to the Friends group who have come together to raise the money for the five.

“James is hoping to complete the sculptures over five weeks so hopefully we can get something organised to officially unveil them, when they are complete.”

The new sculptures are in addition to the ones previously carried out on Beacon Fell by Bretherton sculptor Thompson Dagnall.

To follow James work visit Beacon Fell’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Beacon-Fell-Country-Park

Related topics:TreesKirkham