This wood carving near the car park at Sheen Gate is a must visit for closer inspection.

Paul Richards, Park Manager, writes:

The sculpture was inspired by the often-overlooked biodiversity found in decaying wood. Dead wood is a micro-habitat that is crucial to the biodiversity of our planet. A huge range of species – from woodlice to woodpeckers are dependent on dead wood. This sculpture highlights the crucial role that dead wood plays in sustaining healthy, vibrant ecosystems by showcasing intricate carvings of stag beetles, bracket fungi, centipedes, bats, woodpeckers and more.

The sculpture has been carved from a 5-metre tall oak stump which was removed due to Acute Oak Decline. As it weathers, the sculpture will provide food and shelter for the very species that it depicts.

Renowned wood sculptor Dan Cordell was commissioned by The Royal Parks through the charity’s Help Nature Thrive project. This project is possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.