Storm-Tossed Tree Transformed into Majestic Pouncing Fox Sculpture

A striking new sculpture has been unveiled at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. This impressive artwork is a six-meter-tall fox, made entirely from the wood of a 150-year-old Cornish Red rhododendron tree that was knocked down during a winter storm. Instead of letting the fallen tree go to waste, artists Sue and Pete Hill, who are siblings, and Hal Silvester decided to transform it into a piece of art that celebrates the wildlife of Heligan. The fox is shown in a pouncing pose, capturing the energy and movement of a real fox as it hunts. Its fur is crafted from about 600 hand-split pieces of wood, giving it a textured and lifelike appearance, while its eyes are made from shiny metallic balls.

The sculpture, named Lowarnes, which means vixen in Cornish, was inspired by a photograph taken on the Heligan estate. The artists wanted to recreate the moment when a fox leaps into the air, hunting for prey in the long grass. Staff from Heligan worked closely with the artists, helping to split the wood and assemble the hundreds of pieces needed to make the fox's fur. As the sculpture ages, the wood will gradually fade to a lighter, silvery color, reflecting the way a mother fox's fur changes over time. This detail adds another layer of meaning to the artwork, connecting it to the natural life cycle of the animals it represents.

Alongside the sculpture, visitors can also enjoy a collection of poetry by Simon Armitage, the poet laureate. His poem, Den, is displayed with the fox and explores the wild and untamed nature of foxes. Sue Hill said that Armitage's poem captures the spirit of foxes perfectly, and that the photograph of the pouncing fox was the main inspiration for the sculpture. The artists wanted the fox to look as if it is watching visitors, just as a real fox would watch its prey. The Lost Gardens of Heligan hope that the sculpture and the poetry will encourage people to appreciate the wildlife that lives in the gardens and to think about the importance of protecting nature. The project is a celebration of both art and the natural world, showing how creativity can help us connect with the environment around us.

The tree used for the sculpture is older than World War One, making it a living piece of history. By turning it into a work of art, the artists have given it a new life and a new purpose. The fox sculpture is now a highlight of the gardens, attracting visitors who want to see its impressive size and detailed craftsmanship. It stands as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature, and of the creative ways people can honor the past while looking to the future. The Lost Gardens of Heligan invite everyone to come and see Lowarnes, to read the poetry, and to learn more about the wildlife that makes the gardens such a special place.