Southend is home to some rather unusual art thanks to chainsaw artist Ben Louughrill, as Simon Murdoch discovered when he went on this woodland walk with a difference
Wood carvings inspired by the nature and heritage of Southend on Sea have been installed along a popular walkway in the town. They have been commissioned by the Essex Wildlife Trust and Southend on Sea Borough Council and were created by local chainsaw artist Ben Louughrill.
The six wood carvings have been made using tree trunks that were felled after recent gales in local parks in Southend and have been installed along the six-mile Prittle Brook Greenway path from Priory Park to Belfairs Park in Leigh.
The carvings include a Cluniac Order Monk which is near Priory Park where there was a monestry, a Saxon Warrior, two delightful fox cubs taking a rest on a wooden bench, a squirrel near Belfairs Woods, a song thrush and wooden walking boots.
The unusual idea of giving people an understanding of the local wildlife and heritage of the area is part of a £6,000 commission project to connect green areas across the district.
Photos by Simon Murdoch
