Pupils help launch new sculpture trail

School pupils from Whaley Thorns, who left their hand prints in the 'Top of the World' sculpture at Poulter Park, visit the site at it's launch on Tuesday.

The sculpture trail at Poulter Country Park, off Whaley Road, is part of the new Archaeological Way trail which connects the park with Shirebrook.

Three new sculptures have officially been unveiled - Top of the World, the Scimitar Flower and the Flint Flower, which were all created by artist Ewan Allinson,

Top of the World references the history of the area from the Ice Age until the present day and incorporates rhino-horn and jawbone-like shapes.

Sculptor Ewan Allinson chats about the Scimitar Flower with Morgan Emery from Langwith Basset Primary School.

It is visible from miles around and was named after a local woman’s memory of her grandfather calling the hill it is located on the top of the world.

Flint Flower echoes the shape of a flint tool found locally, while Scimitar Flower – created to highlight the wildflower meadows in Poulter Country Park – references a scimitar tooth discovered in the area.

Aly Stoneman, project coordinator at Junction Arts, which commissioned the sculptures, said: “We hope the sculpture trail will encourage more people to visit Poulter Country Park, and also add to the enjoyment of local people already using the park.

“It’s such an amazing area, and the new Archaeological Way multi-user trail now connects the park with Shirebrook, so people can enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding in the countryside without dodging cars!”

Limestone Journeys is a project involving local communities and landowners, inspiring them to look after, learn about and celebrate the landscape and heritage of the area around Bolsover district.

The Langwith Whaley Heritage Association and pupils and staff from Whaley Thorns and Langwith Bassett Primary Schools are among those involved.

The Archaeological Way is an 11-mile trail running between Pleasley Pit Country Park and Creswell Crags.