Artwork to celebrate purchase of woods
COED Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, is calling for expressions of interest from artists, sculptors and makers for a public art installation at its most recent woodland acquisition in Neath.
The artistic feature will form part of a £2.2m project at Brynau, the largest woodland creation project ever undertaken by the charity in Wales.
Situated among rolling hills above Gnoll Country Park, the site encompasses 235 acres of wildlife-friendly space above Neath’s urban sprawl.
The wood was secured for the future thanks to the public response to an urgent appeal; once completed, new woodland added to the site will be the size of 100 rugby pitches.
Brynau is also a designated Plant! site, meaning a tree is planted for every child born or adopted in Wales as part of a scheme introduced by the Welsh Government.
To celebrate all that’s been achieved, Coed Cadw is providing £30,000 to fund an installation that highlights the historic features of the site and its relevance to modern-day environmental challenges.
In particular, the charity is keen to hear from local artists who have a passion for Wales’s natural habitats and a desire to use sustainable materials.
The final piece will reflect a woodland theme, portraying woods, trees and nature in their important role to combat climate change, as well as having a strong Welsh identity.
Sophie Thomas, engagement and communications officer for Coed Cadw, said: “The interpretive sculpture will take centre stage at a site that is held dear to the local community who have cherished its wild, green spaces for generations. The new native woodland is designed to buffer and protect the existing ancient woods, providing habitat for wildlife and capturing carbon, all whilst helping to mitigate flooding in the area.
“Many have commented that the ancient woods here were their playground growing up and are happy that such a rare habitat is now safeguarded for the future.”
Interested artists will need to include a CV or biography demonstrating prior and relevant experience, and up to six examples of previous works.
The application deadline is December 1.