Trehafren Fields Woodland Wander – Sculpture Element
The sculpture at Trehafren Fields is part of a wider project delivered by Open Newtown, made possible through the Woodland Investment Grant funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project has created over 700 metres of walk-, wheel- and cycle-friendly paths, new interpretation boards, enhanced meadows, tree planting and orchard care – all designed to improve access, biodiversity and enjoyment of this much-loved green space. More information and a chance to respond to the consultation can be found here. Alternatively, use our feedback form, or send an email to contact@opennewtown.org.uk.
Direct link to leave sculpture feedback – Sculpture Feedback Survey
Consultation
After the artist, John Merrill, was chosen by the panel, he set about engaging communities in Newtown to help shape the design. He has worked with various groups, running sessions in Newtown, as well as attending Newtown Outdoor Festival. The design is now in Oriel Davies, where you can look at models and leave any feedback you might have.
FAQs
What is the sculpture going to be made from?
It will be made of oak sourced from trees that have fallen from natural causes. The base is due to be made of greenheart wood, eliminating the use of concrete.
How flame retardant is it? What about vandalism?
We’ve regularly installed new bins, a large number of wooden benches, new orchards, and the town council invested in a large wooden tower in the play park, along with other wooden equipment, without any issues of fire, going on some years now. So, hopefully, this project – which has had a significant amount of engagement with local young people – will be fine, similar to the street art wall that the young people crafted alongside the skate park. The piece is to be made of large pieces of wood, which although combustible, are quite difficult to set alight. We also hope that increased traffic to the area as a result of the wider project will deter misuse of the space in general.
How long is it expected to last?
The artist, John Merrill, has over 25 years’ experience installing sculptures in public spaces. The first works John installed are still going strong to this day. In addition, over this period John has refined his methodologies and installation techniques, making his more recent work more resilient.
What is the expected yearly maintenance cost?
Being made of oak, and extremely hard-wearing material, we expect their to be only minor costs associated with maintenance. Weathering is to be expected, but this is the beauty of working with natural materials. As part of the funding we have a five-year maintenance payment which will allow us to clean the piece and maintain the area it sits within.
How much is it going to cost?
The wooden sculpture is just one small part of a wider initiative to make our parklands more accessible and inclusive.
The project includes involving local children in creative workshops and connecting the community to nature in meaningful ways, so it’s not viable to separate one cost aspect due to how the work was commissioned.
We’re proud of what it’s already achieved and hope people will enjoy and appreciate it for years to come.
How was funding secured for this?
Funding is through The Woodland Investment Grant, funded by Welsh Government and The Heritage Lottery. The grant is part of the National Forest for Wales scheme, to which we are applying to be members.
How did we evidence that people wanted the larger project?
In 2019 Open Newtown conducted a survey where 172 residents responded. 99% supported ‘Sustainably managing greenspaces and increased wellbeing’, 73% would like ‘Nature trails in the park’, and 68% would like more outdoor seating. As well as this, the project was designed around the National Forest for Wales outcomes, so is aligned with national targets – bringing benefits around wellbeing, climate and nature – based on large scale research by the Welsh Government.
Has Open Newtown asked if residents would like another sculpture on the fields?
The sculpture is part of our Woodland Wander project, which is part of the National Forest for Wales funding streams. They have identified sculpture as a way to increase people’s engagement with woodlands. It is about adding value to the space and creating ways for people with different needs and interests to connect with the space and our natural heritage. Especially for creating interest and engagement among people who might not usually feel that green spaces are “for them”. Engagement through the consultation has proven this is a way of engaging people with nature and with natural materials, with one individual exclaiming “You can do this as a job?”, as they tried making sculpture for the first time.
How come this is the first I have heard of this?
We have worked with different groups, John visited The Feathers Association, The Game Change Project, Ysgol Calon y Dderwen and Cultivate – running clay and wood working activities to encourage creative input to the consultation. The initial sketches were then displayed at the Newtown Outdoor Festival, where John spoke with over 50 individuals. The model of the proposed design is now at Oriel Davies where we are inviting people to come and see it and share their thoughts. After targeted consultation, we are now sharing the design as widely as we are able.