Staff at Sedgemoor District Council are working with Highbridge’s Friends of Apex Park and Weston College to design and install a new living sculpture in the park.
In March, Burnham-On-Sea.com first first reported on the initial draft of the living sculpture design when the organisers began inviting feedback.
Constructive feedback was received through the formal consultation process, and concerns were also raised through informal channels such as on social media, with the majority of any negative feedback focussed on the draft designs’ appearance.
To ensure the final sculpture is as visually appealing as possible – whilst accepting the sculpture will be a living habitat for plants and wildlife and therefore being outside the boundary of traditional art – the organisers have issued an updated version of the design.
The 8ft living sculpture will be located on the grass mound at Apex Park, on the Parsons Road side of the park.
Sedgemoor’s Ecologist Pete Grainger told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The refreshed design offers a more obvious kiln-like appearance with darker glazing on the bricks, hanging plants to introduce wildlife and greenery straight from installation and a straighter top to the structure.”
“It is crucial that the refreshed design will continue to provide a habitat and haven for wildlife, especially the dwindling bee and insect populations and provide an opportunity for nesting sites for mason and leaf cutter bees that lay their eggs in cavities in walls and trees.”
“The sculptures appearance will be reminiscent of a clay flowerpot filled with plants. It will also encourage insects such as lacewings and beetles to make their home here. Over time mosses and lichens will make themselves at home in all the nooks and crannies not only on the base but all over the sculpture.”
Sedgemoor’s Parks Officer added: “Alongside the living elements the key inspiration for the sculpture has been drawn from the areas old brick kilns.”
“The design and an accompanying interpretation board will help to remind park visitors of the local heritage regarding the huge brick industry in the area.”
“We were not looking for a traditional sculpture with this project but something a little more inspiring in relation to the area’s history and the need for the sculpture to house plants and wildlife.”
“We have listened to the feedback and reviewed the design accordingly and hope to have works starting on-site in the summer after Playday.”
The sculpture will cost £800 and will be funded from Sedgemoor District Council’s Parks budget.
