A SERIES of wooden sculptures depicting the diverse creatures which reside at a Darwen beauty spot have begun to appear.

The animal art is being installed in Sunnyhurst Wood, with the first two of the 5 to 6ft tall creations, a squirrel and a heron, now in place.

On their way shortly are other similar natives of the woods, namely an owl, woodpecker, badger and frog.

The Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood commissioned Garstang based company Tree Incarnations to make the creature creations and they have been carved by leading ‘wood sculptor’ Geoff Whitley.

They are intended to complement the existing two-mile long Herbert Parkinson nature trail which is used as an educational tool for schoolchildren.

Chairman of the ‘friends’ group, Dennis Gillibrand said they had contributed £1,200 of the £3,500 cost of the project, with the balance donated by the Herbert Parkinson fund and the charitable Lloyds and Leech trusts which help community projects in Darwen.

Mr Gillibrand added: “I think they are very impressive and a enhancement to the wood.

“Since they were installed we’ve had very good feedback from visitors who think they are a good addition.

“All the species depicted are native here and will improve the educational aspect for Sunnyhurst Wood.

“Some of the sculptures will be behind foliage so people will see them as they walk past.”