Tree-mendous new sculpture unveiled in Pavilion Gardens

Commissioned by the Friends of the Pavilion Gardens, the decorative carving of an old beech tree was created by local woodsman Andrew Frost and followed a long-running fundraising campaign.

The top of the carving depicts British wildlife, while the lower half is themed on the town’s heritage.

Jane Fletcher, Chairperson of Friends of the Pavilion Gardens, said: “Now the scaffolding has been removed everyone will agree that Andrew has produced a wonderful carving, and what makes his detailed work even more remarkable is that it is done with a chainsaw.

“The next stage is to preserve the, tree however this has had to be delayed as a nuthatch has built its nest under the mouse’s right paw high up in the sculpture.

“So the finishing touch of the coating of wood preservative will have to be delayed until the fledglings have flown the nest.”

Funding for the project was raised through fun days and other fundraising events, which was boosted by donations from Waitrose and Buxton councillor Linda Baldry. Support was also provided by High Peak Borough Council and local business Crown Scaffolding, which provided the carving platform.

Ms Fletcher added: “We are now in the planning stages of our next series of very ambitious projects, including the refurbishment of the spiral bed involving replanting, seating and the reinstatement of the pink granite sundial; the addition of two fountains in the lake; and a celebration of the Celtic history of the park inspired by the base of the old Milner bandstand.”

Anyone wishing to donate to these projects should contact the treasurer of the Friends of Pavilion Gardens by emailing [email protected].