An 8ft living sculpture is set to be introduced at Apex Park in Highbridge as part of new public art display.
Sedgemoor District Council and the Friends of Apex Park have been working with art students from Weston College to design the unique display, which will provide habitats for the region’s dwindling bee and insect populations.
The suggested design will provide potential nesting sites for mason and leaf cutter bees that lay their eggs in cavities in walls and trees. It would also encourage insects, such as lacewings and beetles, to make their home there.
“The students felt it was important to design a sculpture that enhanced the natural surroundings of the park and support the council’s commitment to ecological work at Apex Park,” council spokeswoman Sam Taylor told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Inspiration for the sculpture has also come from old brick kilns. It is hoped the sculpture design will also help to remind park visitors of the local heritage regarding the huge brick industry that the area was so well known for.”
The project’s preferred design will create an 8ft living sculpture on the grass mound at Apex Park, situated on the Parsons Road side of the park.
“Before any decisions are made we need the local community’s view on the design,” added Sam.
“To find out more about the plans and to see a scaled, cut-out model of the sculpture, please come along to Apex Park office next to the main car park and the toilet block to speak to students, Sedgemoor staff and Friends of Apex Park on Wednesday 9th March between 2-4pm.”
The sculpture’s appearance would also be very reminiscent of a clay flowerpot filled with plants.
“Over time mosses and lichens will also make themselves at home in all the nooks and crannies not only on the base but all over the sculpture and this is something that the design encourages,” added Sam.
The proposed sculpture project, should it progress as designed, will cost £800 which will be funded from Sedgemoor District Council’s Parks budget.
Those unable to attend the drop-in session can email their comments to parks@sedgemoor.gov.uk or drop them into the post box attached to Apex Park office building before 8th March 2016.
