Great Outdoors comes to life at Muiravonside

Seven sculptures were commissioned for a new trail around the outdoor attraction in Whitecross featuring a giant wooden great crested newt, 17 times the size of a living one, and an impressive gateway arch created by The Blazing Blacksmith Jim Whitsun and apprentice Mhairi Fraser.

Other artworks include a massive metal teasel at the wildflower meadow, an owl bench carved by chainsaw with mini owls perched in trees, an apple/orchard panel, bats in the old doocot and swallows in a barn next to the cafe and courtyard.

The project’s £50,000 funding came from Avondale Environmental, which owns the landfill site at the other end of the A801, on top of the HLF funded Learn Explore Enjoy project which started last year.

Artists worked with wood, metal and stone with input from locals who were involved in ‘Art in the Park’ workshops.

Each piece is linked to a poem by Kenneth Steven and celebrates a rare species or habitat linked to the park.

The trail was launched last Saturday with a guided tour of the new inhabitants.

Claire Mennim, team leader for parks and sustainability for Falkirk Community Trust, said: “We’re hoping the sculpture trail will encourage more people to visit the beautiful park and appreciate the natural world around them.

“We’ve tried to make significant sections of the route suitable for pushchairs and other wheeled equipment but there are also lots of opportunities for adventurous kids and adults to go ‘off road’ and get their wellies muddy!

“There will be interpretation boards for visitors to find out more about wildlife in the park and benches to rest on as people go round.

“It’s a really great, free, fun attraction for local families and we’re keen to spread the word about the striking new additions.”

For more information on the sculpture trail and family events at the park, visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org.