Six wooden sculptures have been installed at Watchtree Nature Reserve.
The sculptures, created by Tom Smith, of Greensmith Carving, celebrate the characters from the reserve’s interactive walking trail.
The trail, The Adventures of Flash and Iris, was written by Anja Phoenix of Tale Trails.
Visitors can now meet Briar the hedgehog, Iris the skylark, Doug the mouse, Flash the great crested newt, A mystical Green Man and Nash the hare at the reserve, near Wigton.
Each sculpture has been carved from a windblown oak tree.
The story trail is designed to encourage children – and the young at heart – to explore Watchtree’s paths, spot the sculptures, and enjoy the whimsical tale of Flash and Iris along the way. It’s an immersive, family-friendly experience that combines nature, art, and storytelling in one.
The creation of The Adventures of Flash and Iris was made possible thanks to the support of the Noble Charitable Trust, Co-op, Tesco Stronger Starts, and Bimson Haulage.
Senga Grave, marketing & communications leader at Watchtree Nature Reserve, said: “The sculptures are already proving to be a hit with visitors.
“They bring a tactile, interactive element to the story trail, giving families a reason to pause, look closer, and connect with the characters in a whole new way. We’re so grateful to Tom for his artistry, and to our sponsors for helping us make this happen.”
John Bimson, of Bimsons Haulage, added: “We are thrilled to support Watchtree and the development of their story trail.
“As a local business, we feel it is important to support local organisations. Watchtree offers so much to the community that they are a perfect fit for our support.”
The sculptures are now in place and ready to be discovered – pick up the Adventures of Flash and Iris story trail map from the Watchtree Visitor Centre or download from the website www.watchtree.co.uk/plan-your-visit/trails-and-maps/
