Experts 'saddened' over felling of topiary tribute

Network Rail has apologised for accidentally felling Jessie's Seat, also known as the Chilworth Chicken, during rail repairs

Plans are being made to replace an "historic" topiary in memory of a railway guard who died in a crash.

Jessie's Seat, also known as the Chilworth Chicken, was regarded as a "significant historic feature", situated between Chilworth and Gomshall in Surrey.

A Surrey Hills National Landscape spokesperson said they were "saddened" by the loss of Jessie's Seat, which was created in memory of Henry Wicks who was killed near the site in 1892.

Network Rail apologised after the topiary was accidentally cut down during repair work.

The topiary was a tribute to railway guard Henry Wicks who died in a crash near the site in 1892

The spokesperson for Surrey Hills added: "We are working closely with Network Rail and other partners to create a plan to represent Jessie's Seat's special heritage, remembrance, and community for the future."

Sara Grisewood, rail line officer for the North Downs Line, said: "We will work closely together with local community groups, the parish council and Network Rail to find the best way to remember Jessie's Seat."

The line, which runs between Guildford and Reigate, had been closed to allow four level crossings and 16 signals to be upgraded. It reopened on Saturday.

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