Tree Pirates make their mark

The 'Tree Pirates', a roving band of chainsaw sculptors, arrived at Oxhey Woods last month and have been busy creating a range of innovative carvings including a giant stag beetle, a giant frog and snail and a number of birds from natural materials within the woods.

Visitors watched as they created sculptures for the new one kilometre wheelchair and pushchair-friendly trail. In addition to the Tree Pirate creations, a number of other artists have also been appointed to create a whole variety of sculptures, including a magnificent entrance arch, and a 24 foot long wooden Xylophone made from wood from the woods which will be installed along the trail over the coming weeks.

Local artists, supported by the Play Rangers, will be at Oxhey Woods for two days later this month conducting free ‘Woodland Art Workshops’ for all the family during the summer holiday.  Dates and times include: Wednesday 29 August, 10am-12 noon and Friday 31 August, 2pm-4pm.

The Countryside Management Service (CMS) in partnership with Three Rivers District Council are currently working on a £200,000 project to reinvigorate Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve in South Oxhey.

Funding for the project was given by the Countryside Management Service who secured a ‘Your Heritage’ grant for £46,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a further £60,000 through the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Improvement Grant. The remaining project fund has been allocated by Three Rivers District Council.

You can follow progress at the Sculpture Trail's Facebook page .