Show to aid Willow Man
Acampaign to help save a muchloved giant willow sculpture is to be launched at a Somerset show this month. The Willow Man, created by sculptor Serena de la Hey to celebrate the Millennium, stands 12m (40ft) tall, with a 5m (16ft) arm span and strides down the side of the M5 motorway, near Bridgwater in Somerset.
The figure has been voted one of the UK’s favourite roadside landmarks and has been dubbed ‘Angel of the South’ by the public. It’s considered to be the largest permanent willow structure in the UK, if not the world, and has endured arson attack and continual decay. Birds constantly pinch withies from the tangle of Salix triandra ‘Black Maul’ for nesting material.
Now Gardeners’ World presenter and garden show impresario Toby Buckland plans to help launch a public crowd-funding campaign to help safeguard the dramatic figure for the future at his Powderham Castle event, near Exeter, in April. Serena with fellow artist Stefan Jennings will create a 3.6m (12ft) tall organic headlike structure of willow, which the public can help complete and leave personal messages. “The Willow Man was only planned to last three years, but the public took him to their hearts and now we’re considering ways of being able to give him a longer life,” said Serena. Powderham Castle Garden Festival, April 27-28. Visit www. powderham.co.uk; tel: 01626 890243.