Pupils at local schools have revealed stunning nature-inspired sculptures at a popular wildlife trail circling the Bridgehead business park in East Yorkshire.
Children from All Saints CE Junior Academy in Hessle and Hessle High School have teamed up with local artist Louis Dorton to create a visually stunning “sculptural forest” at the popular nature trail.
Pupils from both schools visited the Bridgehead site in Hessle to unveil their latest art installations on the picturesque woodland walk. The collaborative project, funded and delivered by Wykeland Group, owner and developer of the business park, is now in its ninth year.
The exciting joint project has resulted in All Saints’ pupils creating charming bug hotels designed to resemble shrubs. The colourful hotels feature nooks and crannies to provide a welcoming habitat for bugs to flourish. Additionally, the children have created vibrant geometric leaves, new tree sculptures and a giant mosaic-decorated earthwork which is also an insect hotel.
Meanwhile, pupils from Hessle High School focused their artistic talents on creating birdboxes inspired by birds nesting at Bridgehead. Advised by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, various species of birds, including woodpeckers and finches, were identified as inhabitants of the area. The students then shaped the birdboxes to resemble these birds and make them suitable for the needs of each species.
In addition, the Hessle High School pupils also created a downloadable guide to help people build their own bird-shaped birdboxes for their gardens. The guide is available on the Wykeland website, here.
The charming sculptures contribute to a growing array of creative artworks along the nature trail which circles the 50-acre Bridgehead development. There’s even a “selfie station” where visitors to Bridgehead can take photos and share them online.
Matthew Wilkinson, Hessle High School teacher, said: “This year’s project has been brilliant. The pupils have loved working with Louis to each create their own unique birdbox. Our students are really proud of their work and we’ve had lots of conversations about the importance of nature and environmental sustainability.
“We’re so pleased to have been involved with Wykeland and Bridgehead for the past nine years – we can really see the difference this makes to our pupils.”
Natalia Rudd, Wykeland Marketing Executive, joined the children at the nature trail to unveil the new sculptures.
She said: “The woodland trail is a big hit with the Bridgehead community and visitors alike.
“This latest project continues to blend art, nature and education to not only enhance the trail but also promote the importance of creativity and teamwork among young learners.”
Artist Louis said: “It was a real pleasure to work with pupils from All Saints Academy and Hessle High School. They’re so creative and really committed to helping the environment. I’m super proud of everything the students have made for the Bridgehead trail – and they are too!”
Elaine Burke, Wykeland community engagement consultant, added: “Every year we are astounded by the creativity and commitment of all the students we work with to create new artworks for the Bridgehead woodland trail.
“This year’s artworks are amazing! Fantastic bird-shaped birdboxes have sprung up and we’ve got new insect hotels that look like colourful shrubs.
“Each year pupils from All Saints and Hessle High schools just keep getting even more creative and inventive – and more passionate about supporting wildlife at Bridgehead. We’re thrilled with their new creations.”
In collaboration with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Hull-based Wykeland designed and delivered the 1km Bridgehead woodland trail. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust oversees the management of the pathway and its natural habitat on behalf of Wykeland, fostering wildlife diversity and the preservation of flora and fauna.
Pictures: Karl Andre Photography
