Moors Valley play sculpture is a flying success (Feb 2018)
Moors Valley Country Park presents new play sculpture, Hawk House, for visitors to discover in the forest.
Created by artist, Andy Frost and his team, this new structure is one of the largest pieces they’ve ever created, the hawk’s wings extend over 18 metres long and it stands over 5 metres high.
The artist wanted the sculpture to be playful and accessible to families, he said: “I want this new structure to have high play value, so that children can have fun and relate to the hawk on many different levels”.
Wood used to create this impressive structure includes recycled timber from the Port of Tilbury, along with Douglas fir and oak from nearby Forestry Commission woodlands in the New Forest. These timbers have now been given a new lease of life and demonstrate the artist’s continued commitment to using sustainable materials.
Talented, Hampshire-based artist, Andy Frost, has created many of the current play structures at Moors Valley, each designed specifically to enhance its forest location. A Henry Moore Foundation Fellow, with work in the Guggenheim Museum, Andy’s extraordinary career has its roots in a fascination for, and exploration of the materials he uses.
His creative design for Hawk House was inspired by witnessing beautiful birds of prey, flying with Hawks In The Forest at Moors Valley. The new sculpture re-creates the powerful wings of a Harris hawk with its tail feathers spread out as it comes to land on the forest floor.
The new play structure joins an existing range of exceptional play provision that provides visitors with the best experience at Moors Valley. The forest has a unique opportunity to engage families through play which is both challenging and creative.
“We’re so excited to bring this new play sculpture to our visitors at Moors Valley,” said Tracey Churcher, Dorset Recreation Manager for the Forestry Commission. “It’s such an imaginative piece that aims to encourage families to play together and enjoy the natural environment of the forest.”
The 2 mile Play Trail is the most popular route in the park and it’s now being reinvigorated by new wooden play structures, which will encourage visitors to return again and again to find their favourite to play on.
The new Hawk House sculpture was completed on 15 December, just in time for the Christmas school holiday.
ENDS
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