Chainsaw sculptures to be unveiled

Visitors to a Leicestershire beauty spot are invited to witness the unveiling of six striking wooden sculptures.

At 10.30am on Saturday (May 12), chainsaw sculptor Peter Leadbeater will unveil his creations which are inspired by the park’s environment and wildlife.

Peter has been working with Leicestershire County Council for the past year to create the pieces which are now permanently on display at Beacon Hill.

Peter Leadbeater said: "I look forward to seeing the sculptures in their new homes, and can’t wait to finally share them with the park’s visitors. I feel very lucky to continue working in such a diverse and stunning location.”

A total of four themes were suggested by country park volunteers and staff and  the final pieces to be completed are a pair of elegant oak benches with relief representations of the flora and fauna special to Beacon Hill.

People who come along on Saturday, May 12 will be able to witness the unveiling by the council’s chairman, Jackie Dickinson, followed by a talk by Peter about each carving.

There will also be a chance to join him and the park’s senior ranger on a short walk to view some of the sculptures and the benches in their permanent homes..

Jackie Dickinson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said Beacon Hill has always been a popular destination for visitors and these new sculptures will add to the vast range of things for people to see and do whilst at the park.

I would encourage people to go and take a look at the remarkable works of art Peter has created.”

Fans of Peter’s work will be able to see him demonstrating his skills at the National Forest Wood Fair this August for the first time.

The Wood Fair, in its seventh year, takes place every August Bank Holiday at Beacon Hill Country Park. This year it will be a two-day event running on both Sunday 26th and Monday 27th.

For regular updates on all Peter’s sculptures including the launch, visit Beacon Hill’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/beaconhillcountrypark

For more information on Beacon Hill and the Wood Fair visit www.leics.gov.uk/beacon

For more information on Peter Leadbeater visit www.peterleadbeater.com

Photographers are invited to take photos of the unveiling taking place from 10.30 – 11am on Saturday, May 12 at the Lower Car Park at Beacon Hill Country Park. The walk will take place from 11am – 11.45am latest.

The four themes represented by Peter’s six carvings are:

•The Native Tree Collection

•Local history & archaeology

•Local legends

•Wildlife of the Beacon SSSI

Each carving will be allocated its own permanent space within the country park before the official launch.

Photos of the sculptures in situ can be provided after the event if you require them.

At more than 800ft, Beacon Hill is the second highest point in Leicestershire and the site of a Bronze Age hill fort.  Situated in Charnwood Forest in north-west Leicestershire, the country park spreads over more than 335 acres of mixed woodland, grassland, wildflower meadows and adjoining farmland. This popular countryside area is owned and managed by Leicestershire County Council.

Visitors to the park can explore an extensive network of paths, enjoy picnics and barbecues and discover the many features of interest which include a natural play area and rhododendron labyrinth. The park also hosts the annual National Forest Wood Fair which last year attracted over 6000 visitors and promotes sustainable forestry and woodland leisure; showcases wood crafts and products, and celebrates all aspects of wood, with fun activities and local food. This year the Wood Fair is taking place on 26th and 27th August.