Councillor encourages residents to get out and enjoy new Leesbrook carvings

A local councillor is encouraging residents to head outdoors this spring and enjoy new woodcarvings installed along the Leesbrook area.

The two small statues – an acorn and a hedgehog – have been installed where Leesbrook crosses the linear park, and near the reconstructed weir and reconfigured footpath further down Leesbrook.  

Local Lib Dem councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “After our beloved bear statue was badly damaged last year, we organised to get him replaced to give local children back a much-loved feature. But we wanted to build on that, so I organised for a woodcarving display to happen at the Medlock Way nature day last year.  

“People got to watch the artist at work, and the carvings were installed over the winter. Together with the fox and owl statue near the main road, we now have a series of little locations which take a fun approach to nature, and will hopefully be a great little series of treats for young families to explore.” 

The bear trail is located near the rear of Ivygreen Drive in Springhead, and slightly further afield there are also a series of James and the Giant Peach inspired carvings at the top of Clarksfield. 

Sam added: “My daughter grew up playing on the bear trail, and it was a really great thing in lockdown – although that seems a world away now. I know how special these little things are, and I hope that new families will find and enjoy these little extra touches, as well as the improvements that have been delivered to the footpaths and Leesbrook itself.”