Two Cardiff Council park rangers have completed work on a magnificent woodland tree carving.
The eight foot long sculpture has a five foot circumference and is made from an old hollow Ash tree that toppled during a storm.
The left-over trunk remains rooted in the ground at Coed – y – Felin woods and was chosen as a perfect canvas for the carvings.
The idea for the project came from the Coed – y – Felin Friends’ group, an enthusiastic group of residents who volunteer their time to assist the council in further improving the woodland area.
Assistant Park Rangers Mark Plant and Edmundo Ferreira – Rocha shared an interest in wood carving and practised their talent creating smaller items such as letter openers and love spoons.
Coed – y – Felin Friends’ group were impressed with their work and commissioned them to undertake the project in their own time.
Both Mark and Edmundo were thrilled to be given the opportunity to create something of this magnitude with the challenge of working on location, whilst learning new techniques in the process.
During the development process basic ideas were sketched based on the wildlife within the woodland before the Friends’ Group selected the designs they wanted to include.
Coed – y – Felin translates to “Woods of the Mill” in Welsh and it was discovered that a corn mill once stood in the area, which was then included in the design.
The Green Man is a symbol of rebirth and represents the cycle of growth each spring.
It is also sign of a forest protector so this was added to protect the carving and the surrounding woodland.
Also depicted is the Herb Paris plant which is un-common in this part of Britain, and general wildlife creatures such as nuthatch, frog, snail and dragonfly.
Work began on the tree in November 2009 but had to cease during the freezing winter conditions. It resumed in the spring and the project was finally completed last month.
The project has been given the title ‘The Three Elements’ as it combines the historical, natural and mythical elements of the woodland.
It has proved to be a major feature and has attracted many visitors to the woods.
Executive Member of Culture, Leisure and Sport, Nigel Howells said: “This sculpture really is an outstanding work of art. The piece depicts some of the wonderful features of Coed – y – Felin and this has been brought to life by the time, dedication and passion demonstrated by Mark and Edmundo. Their talent has been used to create a distinctive and enchanting characteristic to this already beautiful natural area. I would encourage everyone across Cardiff to come and see Coed – y – Felin and its very unique feature.”
Coed-y- Felin is an attractive area of ancient semi-natural woodland. The five hectares of woodland are located in Lisvane between Heol Cefn Onn and Millrace Close.
The Cardiff Council owned site is of interest for nature conservation. It also forms an important section of the Nant Fawr Corridor which has strategic importance in terms of recreation, amenity and wildlife.
For more information visit http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure
