Chainsaw artist supplies woodland creatures for Les Vardes nature walk

Monday 11 July 2022

The nature walk around Les Vardes Quarry has several new woodland statues courtesy of a chainsaw artist based in Manchester.

The completed project is a joint initiative between the Lions Club of Guernsey and Ronez. According to the President of the Club, Paul Allaway, it started two years ago after Tony Corbin, from the Lions, suggested “a nature trail be set up to encourage children to get out with their families on interesting walks, and to read about the characters they find”.

The walk around the quarry now plays host to several characters from the Wind in the Willows, including; Mr Toad, Moley, Mr Badger, Ratty, the Rabbit and Mr Otter.

Pictured: A “Children’s Whisper Seat” has also been placed on the walk.

All the statues have been hand carved by a chainsaw artist called Mike Burgess. He also created a “Children’s Whisper Seat”, which includes a carving of an owl and a lion. 

Mr Allaway said: “Each of the characters and the Whisper Bench have made possible by the generosity of local companies who have sponsored the Wind in the Willows characters.”

He thanked DWA, Norman Piette, Creasey’s, Ravenscroft, the John Ramplin Trust, the Health Improvement Commission, Ferryspeed and Ronez.

“We hope that Islanders will make use of this walk, enjoy the characters and also appreciate the size and depth of the quarry at Les Vardes,” Mr Allaway concluded.